Philomena (12A)

This is a strange movie of a true story about a serious topic, yet having great comedy, that no comic script-writer would really be able to create, unless it was based on fact.

However Steve Coogan’s hand was in the script, which makes sense.  He also produced, and is the male lead in a role, which while is not Oscar material, certainly brings him far away from his Alan Partridge creation.  He put up a good show as the former political journalist down on his luck, who by chance happens upon the story of Philomena, an Irish woman searching for the son who was long ago taken from her by nuns.

Philomena, played by Judi Dench had her son taken away from her in the mid-1950s, after she got pregnant outside wedlock, and went to live and work around a convent laundry.  Philomena, like Coogan’s character, Martin Sixsmith is quite a quirky character, and almost a literary creation.  However this movie is about real people, with real and tragic stories to tell.  

The movie begins in Philomena’s old age in the UK, and she and Sixsmith take the quest for Philomena’s son, from the convent in Roscrea, Ireland to Washington DC.

It is an enjoyable journey to follow the duo on, despite the sadness and pain they encounter along the way. 

Interestingly a photo of 1940’s Hollywood star, Jane Russell is shown on the wall of the convent office.  Eventually it is revealed why this is so, which only adds to the scenario that was going on in the convent in the 1950s.

The production of ‘Philomena’ is superb, with real-life footage of home movies from the real people involved.  It’s a cliché to say Judi Dench is one of the best actresses around, and they were lucky that she accepted the script.  It is her first movie since she was last featured in the James Bond franchise almost a year ago.

There are not many supporting actors, and Dench and Coogan run the show throughout, and never disappoint.  However a powerful later scene with actress, Barbara Jefford is one worth waiting for.  It is also obvious that Dench will take the BAFTA for ‘Philomena’, and a few more awards with it.

The true story of Philomena is a horrendous indictment of the abuse the poor women suffered in the convents.  The movie is more powerful than 2002’s ‘Magdelen Laundries’ because of all the information that has since come to light, and this is also a real woman’s story, and not a tale about an imaginary person. 

Let’s hope those seeking family connections and answers find their searches come to a positive end soon.

David Flynn