Ruth Wilson Reigns Supreme: Unraveling Dark and Complex Characters in The Woman in the Wall

The opening scene of BBC’s “The Woman in the Wall” introduces us to Lorna, portrayed by Ruth Wilson. She’s found slumped on a rainy countryside road in Ireland, dressed in a flowing white nightdress, surrounded by horses. The peculiar and surreal image gains an extra layer of oddity as Lorna stands up, shivers, and marches back to town, throwing sharp retorts and gestures at anyone who dares to stare. This initial glimpse offers a hint of Lorna’s witty and formidable nature, making it evident that she possesses both a sense of humor and an air of invincibility.

The plot takes a mysterious turn as Lorna returns home and discovers a bloody knife embedded in a portrait of Jesus Christ, followed by the unsettling sight of a crumpled woman’s corpse. Her reaction is a mixture of disbelief and remorse as she tries to remove the weapon from the portrait, apologizing to Jesus. Lorna is clearly in the dark about the events, unsure if she bears any responsibility.

It’s gradually revealed that Lorna is a frequent sleepwalker, haunted by traumatic memories of her time in a Magdalene laundry—a real-life institution that housed women considered “fallen” by the Catholic Church. Her experiences have left her perpetually disoriented and tormented, especially her separation from her child during her youth. Lorna’s life is marked by chaos and restlessness, as she remains unaware of her actions each night. As the episode progresses, Lorna slips into slumber only to awaken with a detached, dreamlike demeanor. She soon becomes a figure wielding an axe, navigating neon-lit streets with a sense of purpose.

Ruth Wilson, known for her adeptness at portraying complex characters, once again steps into the role of an intricate personality. From her portrayal of the cunning Alice Morgan in “Luther” to the icy Mrs. Coulter in “His Dark Materials,” Wilson excels at characters that are multifaceted and often tinged with dark humor. Lorna isn’t overtly malicious like some of her previous roles, but she exudes an enigmatic charm despite her troubles. Her likability persists, even though she’s surrounded by unsettling circumstances, a bloody corpse, and a frenzied demeanor with an axe.

Contrasting with many crime dramas that have come before, “The Woman in the Wall” brings a unique atmosphere to the table. This show intertwines gothic, surreal, and horrific elements, punctuated by occasional moments of humor and strangeness. It reshapes the conventions of classic horror for a modern audience, grounding the narrative in a contemporary setting while also reminding viewers that the haunting history of the Magdalene laundries is within recent memory. The show’s distinct tone and subject matter serve as a poignant reminder of a past that’s not as distant as it may seem.