Philomena

Starring;
Judi Dench
Steve Coogan
Anna Maxwell-Martin
Mare Winningham
Sophie Kennedy-Clark

Director;
Stephen Frears

In three words; Touching - Beautiful - Funny


Review;
Philomena is based on the true story of Philomena Lee (Dench) who was forced to give up her young child. She lived in a convent in Ireland and, along with other girls like her, fell pregnant out of wedlock and was made to feel sinful and useless by those who were supposed to care for her. Keeping this a secret for 50 years Philomena finally confides in her daughter Jane (Maxwell-Martin) and they set about finding Philomena's Anthony.

Jane approaches the recently out of work Martin Sixsmith (Coogan) to assist with finding Philomena's son. Sixsmith is reluctant at first as he 'doesn't do human interest stories' however after a little digging he soon discovers that there is an interesting story to be told. Furthermore his pushy editor is keen for him to fill much needed column inches.

Dench and Coogan are an odd couple on paper however their onscreen partnership is brilliantly executed. Coogan, via his production company Babycow, had optioned the story a number of years ago. Since then he and co-writer Jeff Pope, wrote the script based on Sixsmiths book (The Lost Child of Philomena Lee) along with interviews they conducted with Lee and Sixsmith. The script is a perfect blend of drama and comedy. There were surprisingly many laugh out loud moments. What Coogan and Pope have done will not go unnoticed and I believe that awards will be coming their way.

Dench is as emphatic as ever yet sometimes unrecognisable as a little Irish lady. A testament to her acting abilities. What she brings to the screen is of course gravitas but also charm and a beautiful innocence which we seldom see from an older performer. Coogan has elevated himself to another level in this film. Perhaps the presence of Dench made him feel he had to up his game. What he doesn't do is overplay his part, which is something he has had a tendency to do in the past. Here he gives his best performance to date on the big screen which will no doubt open doors for him which would have otherwise remained closed.

Philomena is touching and joyous which asks questions about religion, journalistic ethics and also humanity. This is brought to us wonderfully by Director Stephen Frears who seem at comfort delivering drama and comedy within the same scene. This is a must see film which is yet to be released in the States. Don't be surprised to see Dench and Coogan on the red carpet at next years Academy Awards. You heard it here first people.

Verdict;
5 out of 5.