Philomena

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Philomena

PG-13

Released Nov 22, 2013

1h 37m

Drama

Comedy

Biography

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Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

199 Reviews

89%

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50,000+ Ratings

In 1952, Irish teenager Philomena (Judi Dench) became pregnant out of wedlock and was sent to a convent. When her baby, Anthony, was a toddler, the nuns took Philomena's child away from her and put him up for adoption in the United States. For the next 50 years, she searched tirelessly for her son. When former BBC correspondent Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan) learns of the story, he becomes her ally. They travel together to America to find Anthony and become unexpectedly close in the process.

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Critics Consensus

Based on a powerful true story and led by note-perfect performances from Judi Dench and Steve Coogan, Philomena offers a profoundly affecting drama for adult filmgoers of all ages.

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Deborah Ross

The Spectator

It is quiet, restrained, unfussy, and has, at its heart, an injustice so grave it will make your blood boil. You will also cry.

Sep 5, 2018

Full Review

Anna Smith

metro.co.uk

Despite its weighty themes, Stephen Frears' film is almost as much a comedy as a drama.

Rated: 5/5

Sep 6, 2017

Full Review

Monica Castillo

Bitch Media

The movie is a bit of a puzzle coming from atheist co-writer Steve Coogan and the script grapples with these big questions of religion, class, and justice in a way that's far beyond the typical teary human-interest story.

May 10, 2016

Full Review

James Croot

Stuff.co.nz

Judi Dench's greatest screen performance...

Rated: 4.5/5

Jan 30, 2023

Full Review

Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

While several dramatic liberties were taken with the actual true account, most of them help make this a better film.

Rated: 3.5/5

Aug 24, 2022

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

The restrained realism and depth of the melodrama are perfectly balanced, altogether avoiding what could have easily become schmaltzy.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 19, 2022

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judy b

Just watched it again for the second time. Powerfully touching and horrifying at the same time, because it’s a true story. Great performance by Judi Dench.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/08/25

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paul o

Beautifully acted by Judy Dench and to a lesser extent Steve Coogan. A powerful tear jerker of a film. Well worth watching. Judy Dench is so good.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/23/24

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KB B

This was such an exceptional movie with great acting and storyline. It was so intense and sad; definitely a tear jerker. Judi Dench was superb as usual. It's a must see.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/28/24

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Cinephemeride [

a touching story served by actors with finesse and sobriety

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/05/24

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John G

A touching and significant movie. But it is undermined if one understands it's frequent manipulation of the "true story".

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/20/24

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Alec B

Often the film becomes a bit too heavy handed, especially in the flashbacks, but when the focus is on the odd and effective pairing of Coogan and Dench its more grounded in real substance and becomes rather moving.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/10/23

Full Review

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Stephen Frears

Director

Judi Dench

Philomena Lee

Steve Coogan

Martin Sixsmith

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Synopsis

In 1952, Irish teenager Philomena (Judi Dench) became pregnant out of wedlock and was sent to a convent. When her baby, Anthony, was a toddler, the nuns took Philomena's child away from her and put him up for adoption in the United States. For the next 50 years, she searched tirelessly for her son. When former BBC correspondent Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan) learns of the story, he becomes her ally. They travel together to America to find Anthony and become unexpectedly close in the process.

Director: Stephen Frears
Producer: Gabrielle Tana, Steve Coogan, Tracey Seaward
Screenwriter: Steve Coogan, Jeff Pope
Distributor: Weinstein Co.
Production Co: Baby Cow Productions, Magnolia Mae
Rating: PG-13 (Some Strong Language|Sexual References|Thematic Elements)
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 22, 2013, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 4, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $37.7M
Runtime: 1h 37m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

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