Philomena
PHILOMENA (15)
D: Stephen Frears
Pathé/The Weinstein Company (Steve Coogan, Tracey Seaward
& Gabrielle Tana)
UK/US 2013
98 mins
Drama/Biopic
W: Steve Coogan & Jeff Pope [based on the
book "The Lost Child Of Philomena Lee" by Martin Sixsmith]
DP: Robbie Ryan
Ed: Valerio Bonelli
Mus: Alexandre Desplat
Judi Dench (Philomena Lee), Steve
Coogan (Martin Sixsmith), Michelle Fairley (Sally Mitchell), Barbara Jefford (Sister Hildegarde), Mare Winningham (Mary)
It shouldn't come as a surprise that Judi Dench turns in a
splendid performance as borderline-cantankerous, devoutly religious Irishwoman, Philomena Lee, the true shock performance here is Steve Coogan, who adds a dramatic, serious performance as a
string to his bow quite naturally.
Coogan, who also served as a co-writer, adapting political
journalist Martin Sixsmith's book, plays the author himself, who, following a public scandal, must repair his ailing career by taking on a human interest piece.
Although he's initially reluctant, he chooses to investigate
the story of Philomena Lee (Dench), a committed Catholic who became pregnant as a teenager and was forced by the strict nuns at her boarding school to put the child up for adoption.
The investigation into the past soon turns into a search for
Philomena's son, who would now be in his 50's.
Stephen Frears' tender drama of loss, redemption and
forgiveness is a fantastic piece of work, aided by the brilliant performances of the two main cast members, but also exceptionally well-written and beautifully scored by Alexandre
Desplat.
Amongst the best films of 2013.
8/10
