The Lost Children of Tuam, a feature film released this week in Ireland and next month in the UK, tells the story of Catherine Corless’s efforts to expose the treatment of infants at St Mary’s mother and baby home in Tuam, County Galway. The institution operated between 1925 and 1961 under the direction of the Bon Secours order, and Corless’s research revealed that approximately 796 children died at the facility without proper burial records before it closed and was subsequently demolished.
Actor Liam Neeson became involved with the project after reading a New York Times article about Corless’s campaign in 2017. Moved by the account and prompted by his Irish background and Catholic upbringing, Neeson decided to produce the film for the first time, optioning the article and collaborating with a creative team. The film is written by Rebecca Lenkiewicz and directed by Frank Berry, with Monica Dolan portraying Corless in the lead role.
The film’s release coincides with an ongoing archaeological excavation at the 5,000 square meter site where the Bon Secours order is believed to have interred the infants. An international team of forensic archaeologists and specialists has recovered skeletal remains of 99 babies and children since commencing work last year, following Corless’s historical research, a judicial commission investigation, and an Irish state commitment to pursue accountability for survivors and families affected.
Corless, a former textile factory secretary with an interest in local history, initially began researching the site for a historical essay. Despite encountering resistance from officials and the Bon Secours order, she persisted in uncovering documentation of the deaths and conditions at the institution. The film premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh in July, where it received the award for best Irish film. Early critical responses have described the film as sensitive and emotionally impactful, with particular praise for the performances by Dolan and Andrew Bennett, who portrays Corless’s husband.
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