Fresh
What at first seems formulaic comedy gains a deeper resonance as we see how they represent two responses to cruelty and injustice -- first outrage, and with time, eventually, forgiveness.
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
Philomena
These two unlikely companions are on a journey to find her long lost son.
2013 · 1h 38m · PG-13
Drama
Directed by
Stephen Frears
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Philomena
Overview
A woman searches for her adult son, who was taken away from her decades ago when she was forced to live in a convent.
Director and cast
- Stephen Frears Director
- Judi Dench as Philomena Lee
- Steve Coogan as Martin Sixsmith
- Sophie Kennedy Clark as Young Philomena
- Mare Winningham as Mary
- Barbara Jefford as Sister Hildegarde
- Ruth McCabe as Mother Barbara
- Peter Hermann as Pete Olsson
- Sean Mahon as Michael Hess
- Anna Maxwell Martin Cast
- Michelle Fairley Cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
91%
Tomatometer
Fresh
It's smart and unsweetened.
Wesley Morris, Grantland
Fresh
Even as Philomena embraces the expected feel-good dynamics, it avoids taking the usual path and doesn't paint all of the "evil" nuns with the same brush.
Peter Howell, Toronto Star
Fresh
We wouldn't care about any of this if the performances were weak. But both actors find complexity and depth.
Jocelyn Noveck, Associated Press
Fresh
At its core, this clever, wrenching, profound story underscores the tenacity of faith in the face of unfathomable cruelty.
Ann Hornaday, Washington Post
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