Review: Dench, Coogan are at the top of their game in ‘Philomena’

Posted on February 21, 2014

Like five other best picture nominees, “Philomena” is based on a true story, one that is both heartbreaking and uplifting, sweet and sad, thought-proving and anger-inducing. Thanks to two stellar lead performances from Judi Dench (“Skyfall”) and Steve Coogan (“Ruby Sparks”) and great work from director Stephen Frears (“The Queen”), the story of Philomena will live on as one of the best movies of 2013.

The film follows former reporter Martin Sixsmith (Coogan), who finds himself unemployed from his job within the British government after a scandal. At a party, he is approached about doing a story on Philomena (Dench), a woman who 50 years before got pregnant as a teenager and was forced by her parents into a convent.

“Philomena” is a small film with a large story, and it is a story worth hearing and a film worth seeing.

The movie is rated PG-13 on appeal for some strong language, thematic elements and sexual references.

 

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