Is The Woman In The Wall Season 2024 A True Story? The Horrifying Details Behind It

The show draws inspiration from real events, specifically the notorious Magdalene Laundries in Ireland. These institutions, run by the Catholic Church, infamously incarcerated women and girls, often for reasons like being unwed mothers or labeled as "promiscuous." The series delves into the dark history of these laundries, exploring themes of guilt, trauma, and the enduring impact of the past.

In these laundries, the women suffered immense physical and emotional abuse, stripped of their basic human rights and hope. While the main storyline of the series is fictional, it mirrors the grim reality of the Magdalene Laundries.

Originally Protestant and later predominantly Roman Catholic, these laundries operated from the 18th to the late 20th centuries. They were intended for 'fallen women', a term encompassing prostitutes, unwed pregnant women, and those lacking family support. However, some women were incarcerated for trivial reasons, such as perceived beauty.

In the show, the protagonist Lorna is sent to a laundry at 15 for being pregnant. The nuns take her baby, leaving her traumatized and sleepwalking, a common aftermath of such experiences. Preparing for her role, Ruth Wilson expressed shock at the young women's treatment in these laundries, where they endured horrific conditions without basic medical care.

The Magdalene Laundries, named after the Biblical Mary Magdalene, were like workhouses with strict regimes. Women were forced into labor-intensive tasks like laundry and cleaning, coupled with silence and prayer. Operating for profit, these institutions paid the women nothing and provided no education. The youngest reported inmate was just nine years old.

In Ireland, the laundries thrived, with an estimated 30,000 women imprisoned over two centuries. The last laundry closed in 1996. Conditions were dire: women were locked in, often unaware of their release dates, given new names and numbers, and forced into uniformity with severe haircuts. Silence was mandatory, and friendships were generally forbidden. Family visits were rare and closely monitored.

Punishments for non-compliance ranged from meal deprivation and solitary confinement to physical abuse and degrading rituals.

The plot also follows Detective Colman Akande, played by Daryl McCormack, who harbors his own secrets. He is investigating a crime that initially seems unrelated to the body found in Lorna's home. As Colman's search for a murderer intersects with Lorna's quest to find her daughter, their paths intertwine in unexpected ways.

"The Woman in the Wall" blends elements of crime thriller, gothic horror, and black comedy. Ruth Wilson comments on the series, noting its smart approach to conveying a significant story. The show uses genre elements like horror and crime to attract viewers, while also educating them about the deeper, more poignant narrative at its core.

The Woman in the Wall will premiere on streaming and on demand for Paramount+ subscribers with the Paramount+ with Showtime plan on Friday, Jan. 19, before making its on-air debut on Showtime on Sunday, Jan. 21, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

"The Woman in the Wall" features a talented ensemble cast. Ruth Wilson stars as the protagonist, Lorna Brady, and also serves as an executive producer. She describes Lorna as "a complex and fascinating character." Daryl McCormick plays the role of Detective Colman Akande.

The series also showcases other notable actors, including Simon Delaney from "The Conjuring 2," Philippa Dunne of "The Nevers," Mark Huberman known for "Band of Brothers," Hilda Fay from "Float Like a Butterfly," Frances Tomelty of "The Amazing Mrs. Pritchard," and Dermot Crowley, who appeared in "Luther: The Fallen Sun."

In a related note, Ruth Wilson is set to star in "A Very Royal Scandal."

"The Woman in the Wall" has a total of six episodes in its first season.