Philomena

2013 • 98 minutes

About this movie

Pregnant, unmarried teenagers were not well-regarded in Philomena Lee's 1950's Irish Catholic community in England. Forced to give her son up for adoption in the United States, Philomena (Academy Award®-Winner Judi Dench) was also made to sign a contract forbidding her from any inquiry into his whereabouts. Years later, after starting a family in England and for the most part moving on with her life, Lee meets Sixsmith (Steve Coogan of TROPIC THUNDER), a BBC reporter with whom she decides to journey to America to finally discover her long-lost son. Based on the 2009 investigative book by BBC correspondent Martin Sixsmith, "The Lost Child of Philomena Lee," PHILOMENA takes you along on that emotional trip.

Ratings and reviews

Authentic performances highlight an 'inspired by a true events' movie starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan. Dench is always in the moment and makes us believe - and care about - a woman who's been missing a son who was essentially stolen from her 50 years ago. Coogan balances a disgraced and directionless journalist yearning for a big comeback with the devout atheist who has a beef with the Catholic church, and finds in Philomena's story the perfect grist for both his professional and personal mill.

septuagenarian Irish woman (Dench) who longs to find out what happened to her 3-year old illegitimate boy, who was taken from her by the nuns/Magdalene Sisters and adopted [sold] to a well-off American family in 1955. She is accompanied by a cynical journalist (Steve Coogan) on her search, as he needs to write a human-interest piece. Based on real events, it's a moving indictment of a time in the Catholic Church's history. Dench= brilliance. Bits of subtle humor in the mix. Coogan's great, too!

After seeing this I felt like hugging my mom and tell her I love her. Philomena is art for those who actually like adult humor and awkwardness in their movies. This movie delivers joy in so many ways and a surprising plot twist.