Rotten Tomatoes
Cancel Movies Tv shows FanStore News Showtimes

Philomena

Play trailer Poster for Philomena PG-13 Released Nov 22, 2013 1h 37m Drama Comedy Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
91% Tomatometer 199 Reviews 89% Popcornmeter 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.
Watch on Peacock Stream Now

Where to Watch

Philomena

Philomena

What to Know

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.

Read Critics Reviews

Critics Reviews

View All (199)
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 The Post 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (1000+)
Glafira Regina O One day, at a formal dinner, a waitress named Jane approaches journalist Martin Sixsmith, who is going through a creative and professional crisis. She tells him about her mother, Philomena. As a young girl, Philomena became pregnant, after which her father disowned her and sent his wayward daughter to a convent. A few years later, Philomena’s child, Anthony, was given up for adoption to an American family. Only fifty years later does Philomena get the chance to find her son, with the help of the persistent and skilled Martin. An excellent, heartfelt, and moving film, based on the real-life story of an unfortunate woman uncovered by journalist Martin Sixsmith. He later wrote the book "The Lost Child of Philomena Lee," which was adapted for the screen by Stephen Frears. I can’t say for certain how much the story was altered during the writing of the book and its film adaptation, but I really want to believe that it all happened exactly this way, because the story is so touching and full of meaning that you couldn’t make it up if you tried. It’s actually quite difficult to summarise in just a few words what Philomena is really about. On one hand, it’s simply an engaging story with a gripping premise, unexpected twists, and a truly powerful conclusion. On the other hand, the film explores timeless themes: faith in miracles, maternal love carried through the years, the gap between the poor and the wealthy, and even deep questions related to religion. It’s no wonder that one of the most impactful scenes, in my opinion, is one of the final ones in the convent — when three very different characters clash: Martin, Philomena, and the stubborn Catholic nun Sister Hildegarde. From a technical standpoint, Philomena is close to perfect. The plot moves along briskly without dragging or stalling, the acting duo of Steve Coogan and Judi Dench is outstanding, and the soundtrack is simply exquisite — it becomes an inseparable part of the story. In short, I have nothing to complain about. It’s wonderful how such technical precision harmonises so well with a simple yet profound, life-affirming story. A truly soulful film, without excessive sentimentality or syrupy clichés. I highly recommend it! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/24/25 Full Review Kalissa H Really interesting and touching story. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 05/04/25 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Cinephemeride [ a touching story served by actors with finesse and sobriety Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/05/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Philomena

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW
The Lady in the Van 89% 64% The Lady in the Van Watchlist TRAILER for The Lady in the Van Coco Before Chanel 63% 57% Coco Before Chanel Watchlist Eddie the Eagle 82% 82% Eddie the Eagle Watchlist TRAILER for Eddie the Eagle One Chance 64% 64% One Chance Watchlist W. 58% 42% W. Watchlist Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Movie Info

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
Most Popular at Home Now