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      Philomena

      2013, Drama/Comedy, 1h 37m

      202 Reviews 50,000+ Ratings

      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 critic reviews

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      Philomena  Photos

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      Movie Info

      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.

      • Rating: PG-13 (Some Strong Language|Sexual References|Thematic Elements)

      • Genre: Drama, Comedy, Biography

      • Original Language: English

      • Director: Stephen Frears

      • Producer: Gabrielle Tana, Steve Coogan, Tracey Seaward

      • Writer: Steve Coogan, Jeff Pope

      • Release Date (Theaters):  limited

      • Release Date (Streaming):

      • Box Office (Gross USA): $37.7M

      • Runtime:

      • Distributor: Weinstein Co.

      • Production Co: Baby Cow Productions, Magnolia Mae

      • Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

      Cast & Crew

      Judi Dench
      Steve Coogan
      Michelle Fairley
      Barbara Jefford
      Peter Hermann
      Ruth McCabe
      Steve Coogan
      Jeff Pope
      Henry Normal
      Christine Langan
      Cameron McCracken
      François Ivernel
      Carolyn Marks Blackwood
      Robbie Ryan
      Valerio Bonelli
      Alexandre Desplat
      Alan MacDonald
      Rod McLean
      Rod McLean
      Sarah Stuart
      Consolata Boyle

      News & Interviews for Philomena

      Critic Reviews for Philomena

      Audience Reviews for Philomena

      • Mar 12, 2021

        First of all, it's a road movie with two contradictory characters; I like those movies, so it's already got me there. As for the premise itself, the fascinating thing about it is despite a dark and frankly evil starting off point for their journey, the film itself is surprisingly quirky and charming. That really comes down to Philomena herself. Not just how wonderfully she is played by Judi Dench, but how great the real life character is. Despite all that has happened to her, she keeps her faith and optimism, and that is truly the spirit of the film. Also, she's just a godamn delight of a human being and truly funny. The chemistry between Judi Dench and Steve Coogan is spot on, and his cynicism with her optimism is a delight. The movie has a simple goal in the end, but it does so with great character and charming leads. It's heartwarming and fun and I really liked it.

        michael m Super Reviewer
      • Jul 07, 2019

        Loved this film to bits!

        serge e Super Reviewer
      • May 27, 2017

        an alternative to the magdalene sisters. i was struglling to envision steeve coogan in a serious role and much to my surprise he wasnt very serious at all which, to the film-maker's credit, worked just fine. judi dench as usual was a force in of herself which leant creedence to the seriousness in which this story must be taken. most poignant was the affect the two characters had on each other.

        Super Reviewer
      • May 29, 2015

        A woman in her 60s recruits the help of a disgraced journalist to find her son she was forced to give up for adoption as a teenager by the nuns who ran the orphanage she lived in. Engrossing and the discoveries follow an unpredictable path in this true-life story, with a completely unexpected and welcome injection of humor throughout. Both Judi Dench and Steve Coogan are marvelous in their roles playing people with very different outlooks on life, particularly with regards to religion, yet united with commonness of purpose. Worth seeking out and deservedly earned Oscar nominations for Dench, picture, original music, and the adapted screenplay.

        Super Reviewer

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