There’s something rather depressing about Judi Dench playing the role of “Precocious Old Lady.” Unfortunately, in Philomena, she is forced to do just that. Based on a true story, it’s a sweet little film, but it doesn’t give any of its actors much to do.
Dench stars as “Philomena Lee,” who conceived a child out of wedlock during her teens and was forced by Catholic doctrine to give him up for adoption. Decades later, she meets “Martin Sixsmith” (Steve Coogan), a BBC reporter who has hit a bump on his career path. Together, the two embark on a journey to find Philomena’s long-lost son.
Director Stephen Frears and screenwriters Coogan and Jeff Pope have put together a charming, personal film that takes the audience upon quite an emotional journey. The trouble is that they treat the character of Philomena with an off-putting hint of condescension. Setting her up as an adorable eccentric is one thing, but jam-packing the film with moments that highlight her gee-whiz naiveté is quite another.
Thankfully, though, Dench is capable of turning even the most questionable writing into silver screen magic. She plays all of Philomena’s quirkiness and pains with astonishing grace, turning what could have been a Lifetime-worthy character into a real human being. As for Coogan, he certainly hasn’t written much of a role for himself, but he plays Sixsmith with a refreshing and quietly funny sense of restraint.
If it’s a feel-good movie you’re after, Philomena is for you. Screenwriting troubles aside, it’s at least pleasant to watch.
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