The film stars Sophie Vavasseur in the title role, Pierce Brosnan as her father and Aidan Quinn, Julianna Margulies, Stephen Rea, and Alan Bates as supporters to Doyle's case.

When Desmond's mother-in-law reports the situation to the authorities, a judge decrees that the children are prohibited by law from being left in a broken home; they are placed in Church-run orphanages.

Desmond finds little hope in regaining custody of his children because he cannot afford a lawyer, turns to drink, and assaults Father O'Malley—who punches him back.

Desmond finds decorating jobs and spends nights singing for tips with his father in the pub where Bernadette works.

The following day, Evelyn says in court that she told a false story about her bruised face because Sister Brigid exaggerated her interaction with Desmond.

Survivors of the industrial schools have criticised the claim in the credits of the film that changes in Irish law resulting from the case led to children being reunited with their families.