"Must be exhausting."
This poignant autumnal story is an absolute gem. Based on a true story, the reflection on real-world issues, ranging from the treatment of (Catholic) women falling pregnant out of wedlock years ago to the Reagen administration's shameful handling of AIDS, provides a solid bedrock to this sincere and at times heartbreaking tale of one elderly woman's search for the son she (perhaps) unwillingly gave up for adoption nearly fifty years previously. Frears's direction is careful and assured, visual compositions are often quite beautiful, and the script is a delight, balancing the mismatched pairing of journalist Sixsmith and Philomena and the deeply personal story beats with aplomb without being saccharine. That Judi Dench can convey so much without even uttering a word is astonishing (and makes up for the possibly excusable wayward accent) in a potentially award-winning performance, and Coogan shows yet again that he can be a fine actor. Without a doubt, Philomena is a wonderful treat.
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