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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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All Critics (197) | Top Critics (51) | Fresh (178) | Rotten (19)
What at first seems formulaic comedy gains a deeper resonance as we see how they represent two responses to cruelty and injustice -- first outrage, and with time, eventually, forgiveness. December 22, 2013 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
What at first seems formulaic comedy gains a deeper resonance as we see how they represent two responses to cruelty and injustice -- first outrage, and with time, eventually, forgiveness.
Liam Lacey
It's smart and unsweetened. December 10, 2013 | Full Review…
It's smart and unsweetened.
Wesley Morris
Even as Philomena embraces the expected feel-good dynamics, it avoids taking the usual path and doesn't paint all of the "evil" nuns with the same brush. November 28, 2013 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
Even as Philomena embraces the expected feel-good dynamics, it avoids taking the usual path and doesn't paint all of the "evil" nuns with the same brush.
Peter Howell
We wouldn't care about any of this if the performances were weak. But both actors find complexity and depth. November 27, 2013 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…
We wouldn't care about any of this if the performances were weak. But both actors find complexity and depth.
Jocelyn Noveck
At its core, this clever, wrenching, profound story underscores the tenacity of faith in the face of unfathomable cruelty. November 27, 2013 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…
At its core, this clever, wrenching, profound story underscores the tenacity of faith in the face of unfathomable cruelty.
Ann Hornaday
Director Steven Frears deserves special mention. A lesser filmmaker could so easily have turned this project into mushy, sentimental junk. The tear-jerking moments here are heartfelt and real. It's the kind of filmmaking we see too little of today. November 27, 2013 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…
Director Steven Frears deserves special mention. A lesser filmmaker could so easily have turned this project into mushy, sentimental junk. The tear-jerking moments here are heartfelt and real. It's the kind of filmmaking we see too little of today.
Bill Zwecker
Besides Dench's fierce eyes, the most interesting part of Philomena is watching the picture of the lost son unfold as the buddy-cop pairing of Dench and Coogan ferret out his life story. January 8, 2020 | Full Review…
Besides Dench's fierce eyes, the most interesting part of Philomena is watching the picture of the lost son unfold as the buddy-cop pairing of Dench and Coogan ferret out his life story.
Chris McCoy
[A] story that took a lifetime, will now touch your heart for a lifetime. January 7, 2020 | Full Review…
[A] story that took a lifetime, will now touch your heart for a lifetime.
Debbie Lynn Elias
It's intelligently written and genuinely performed, even if the film is rather visually banal. August 29, 2019 | Rating: 3.5/5 | Full Review…
It's intelligently written and genuinely performed, even if the film is rather visually banal.
Nicholas Bell
Philomena is kind of a tough sell. It's not a feel-good holiday picture or a tour-de-force acting showcase destined to be christened with Oscar kisses. All the movie has to offer is the fact that it's really, really good. August 27, 2019 | Rating: A | Full Review…
Philomena is kind of a tough sell. It's not a feel-good holiday picture or a tour-de-force acting showcase destined to be christened with Oscar kisses. All the movie has to offer is the fact that it's really, really good.
Ryan Syrek
Director Stephen Frears overplays his hand occasionally, but the film is balanced by some fine performances and a delicate script by Coogan. July 4, 2019 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
Director Stephen Frears overplays his hand occasionally, but the film is balanced by some fine performances and a delicate script by Coogan.
Matthew Lucas
Surprisingly harrowing at times, the film avoids becoming an overwrought melodrama through the balance in characterisation between Martin's cynicism and Philomena's faith. June 7, 2019 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…
Surprisingly harrowing at times, the film avoids becoming an overwrought melodrama through the balance in characterisation between Martin's cynicism and Philomena's faith.
Chris Davies
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