Philomena
Judi Dench leads this UK drama directed by Stephen Frears (The Queen), the true story of a single mother in search for her adult son, separated after a Christian community forced them apart decades ago. Co-starring and co-written by Steve Coogan, adapting the book The Lost Child of Philomena Lee by Martin Sixsmith.
Falling pregnant as a teenager in Ireland in 1952, Philomena Lee (Dench) was sent to the convent of Roscrea to be looked after as a "fallen woman". When her baby was only a toddler, he was whisked away by the nuns to America for adoption. Philomena spent the next 50 years searching for him in vain. Then she met Martin Sixsmith (Coogan), a world-weary BBC journalist as cynical as Philomena was trusting. Together they set off for America, forging a bond themselves, to try and find Philomena's son.
- Director:
- Stephen Frears ('Tamara Drewe', 'The Queen', 'Dirty Pretty Things')
- Writer:
- Steve CooganJeff Pope
- Cast:
- Judi DenchSteve CooganNeve GachevCharlie MurphySimone LahbibSophie Kennedy ClarkCharles EdwardsXavier Atkins
Reviews & comments
Flicks, Matt Glasby
flicksWeepies can be risky territory. Get them wrong and you've made bad TV, but get them right and the rewards are yours for the taking. All of which makes Philomena a particularly brave move for Steve Coogan. Never the most natural of straight-men, he gives his most dignified performance yet, in a film he co-scripted, co-produced and generally shepherded to the screen.
A class act...
And a true story worth telling well. Judi Dench hits the mark with her character perfectly, and both leads generate a good balance of humour and pathos. Steve Coogan shows he's capable of delivering restraint and nuance in both acting and his role as co-writer, and gives a fine performance too. - One that could be considered diametrically opposed to that of...
The perfect balance of emotions
A fantastic film which pulls at every cord of your emotions with Judy Dench performing a perfect mix between comedy and heart warming emotion. This film is a powerful story with stellar performances from both leading cast members. It keeps you gripped right from beginning to end and I can see no flaws in it.
A movie that works perfect for those with a caring heart.
A high level of emotional intelligence is required to enjoy this brilliant film. Alan Partridge plays out of his usual character showing how brilliant he can really be and Judy Dench underlines again that she is the best actress the planet has to offer.
Poignant but not a tear-jerker
What could have been a real OTT tear-jerker is made into a very compelling and poignant tale of just how badly the Catholic Church treated young pregnant girls in the 1950s and 60s and how a cone of silence descended over who babies were farmed out to and, on the other side, who the parents of these adopted babies were. The movie also holds your attention...
A Refreshing Human Story
This movie is based around true events and shows just how many twists and turns can happen in real life.It Is well told with just the right blend of humor and story.The story is retold from the past of a young girl in a Catholic Church in Ireland,and shows just how brutal and unrealistic it was only a generation ago.It moves along well with never a dull...
Variety
pressA howl of anti-clerical outrage wrapped in a tea cozy... applies amusing banter and a sheen of good taste to the real-life quest of Philomena Lee.
Total Film
pressOdd-couple chemistry from Dench and Coogan, a smart script and honed direction make this real-life story highly compelling.
Time Out
pressWatch both actors lean into characters seeking redemption; their clash is invigorating, with a mature payoff that has two minds meeting and getting further along.
The New York Times
pressJudi Dench's portrayal ... so quietly moving that it feels lit from within.
The Guardian
pressA moving and exhilarating film, and the strange chemistry between Dench and Coogan ferments into a 120-degree proof emotional drama.
The Dissolve
pressLets viewers spend time with its characters and get to know exactly who's getting hurt. It arrives at an inevitable destination, but the journey is what makes it moving.
Hollywood Reporter
pressStephen Frears returns to top form in a touching, at times funny true story of grave injustice and a mother's search for closure.
Empire Magazine
pressA terrific, sophisticated comedy that tackles serious issues with a lightness of touch and a spirit of steel.
Flicks, Matt Glasby
flicksWeepies can be risky territory. Get them wrong and you've made bad TV, but get them right and the rewards are yours for the taking. All of which makes Philomena a particularly brave move for Steve Coogan. Never the most natural of straight-men, he gives his most dignified performance yet, in a film he co-scripted, co-produced and generally shepherded to the screen.
Variety
pressA howl of anti-clerical outrage wrapped in a tea cozy... applies amusing banter and a sheen of good taste to the real-life quest of Philomena Lee.
Total Film
pressOdd-couple chemistry from Dench and Coogan, a smart script and honed direction make this real-life story highly compelling.
Time Out
pressWatch both actors lean into characters seeking redemption; their clash is invigorating, with a mature payoff that has two minds meeting and getting further along.
The New York Times
pressJudi Dench's portrayal ... so quietly moving that it feels lit from within.
The Guardian
pressA moving and exhilarating film, and the strange chemistry between Dench and Coogan ferments into a 120-degree proof emotional drama.
The Dissolve
pressLets viewers spend time with its characters and get to know exactly who's getting hurt. It arrives at an inevitable destination, but the journey is what makes it moving.
Hollywood Reporter
pressStephen Frears returns to top form in a touching, at times funny true story of grave injustice and a mother's search for closure.
Empire Magazine
pressA terrific, sophisticated comedy that tackles serious issues with a lightness of touch and a spirit of steel.
A class act...
And a true story worth telling well. Judi Dench hits the mark with her character perfectly, and both leads generate a good balance of humour and pathos. Steve Coogan shows he's capable of delivering restraint and nuance in both acting and his role as co-writer, and gives a fine performance too. - One that could be considered diametrically opposed to that...
The perfect balance of emotions
A fantastic film which pulls at every cord of your emotions with Judy Dench performing a perfect mix between comedy and heart warming emotion. This film is a powerful story with stellar performances from both leading cast members. It keeps you gripped right from beginning to end and I can see no flaws in it.
A movie that works perfect for those with a caring heart.
A high level of emotional intelligence is required to enjoy this brilliant film. Alan Partridge plays out of his usual character showing how brilliant he can really be and Judy Dench underlines again that she is the best actress the planet has to offer.
Poignant but not a tear-jerker
What could have been a real OTT tear-jerker is made into a very compelling and poignant tale of just how badly the Catholic Church treated young pregnant girls in the 1950s and 60s and how a cone of silence descended over who babies were farmed out to and, on the other side, who the parents of these adopted babies were. The movie also holds your attention...
A Refreshing Human Story
This movie is based around true events and shows just how many twists and turns can happen in real life.It Is well told with just the right blend of humor and story.The story is retold from the past of a young girl in a Catholic Church in Ireland,and shows just how brutal and unrealistic it was only a generation ago.It moves along well with never a dull...
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