The Secret Scripture (2017)

Mara is as alluring to watch as ever, with her haunting expression and knack for saying very little but portraying a lot is in full swing here. It has to be as there is little else for her to build on, in terms of character motivation. There seems to be pieces missing to Rose’s overall puzzle, which is frustrating, even though you hope (in anticipation) that those gaps will be filled eventually in the storyline.

The only thing we can empathise with – especially as a woman – is the restrictive nature Rose must abide by in latter-day times and not being allowed to live independently. This hostility in her nature makes the love scenes less convincing, like there is missing chemistry needed for the love triangle to resonate. Again, this is no reflection on Mara’s talents, just highlights the narrative holes further.