Film Review: The true story of Philomena

Can I let you into a little secret……..I don’t really watch a lot of films. Since having Baby B, finding the time to watch films is tricky and, staying awake during them is even trickier.

However, sometimes a film grabs my attention and I find the time.

Philomena, the new film staring the amazing Dame Judi Dench and the wonderful Steve Coogan did just that.

I was thrilled to be asked to view the film as a parent blogger and provide a review.

So here it is.

What’s it about? 

Philomena is a true story based on the emotional events in Philomena Lee’s life when she became pregnant as a teenager, was abandoned by her family in shame and sent to a convent where she gave birth to her son, Anthony. There, she was only allowed to see her little boy for an hour a day, until he was three when he was taken from the convent against her will.

Without giving too much away, the story follows her remarkable journey in finding out what happened to her Anthony which she, until she meet former journalist Martin Sixsmith, had spent 50 years doing in vain. The journey takes them from Ireland to the US and back to Ireland again with some extrodinary discoveries along the way.

What I thought?

It is surprisingly funny and gripping. The film will make you laugh and cry and one thing’s for sure, it will make you think! As a parent the film is heartbreaking and heart warming all at the same time. You just can’t help but put yourself in Philomena’s shoes and feel her a pain and anguish.

The reflection on the Catholic Church is undeniably shocking and it is an extremely sad reality that Philomena Lee is not alone in her experience. Still a dedicated Catholic, what is even more extraordinary is her strength in her religious beliefs.

Judi Dench and Steve Coogan are simply perfect in the roles and just amazing together. I was enthralled from start to finish and cannot recommend this film highly enough.

Philomena’s story certainly deserved to be told, which now it is, not only in Martin Sixsmiths book but now in film.  The script was written by Coogan and Jeff Pope based on Martin Sixsmiths book ‘The Lost Child of Philomena Lee’

Phew. There it it, my humble opinion. My final thoughts are go see it………and take some tissues!

Philomena and Martin

 Philomena is in cinemas on Friday 1st November across the UK and Ireland. 

* I attend a press screening of the film for the purpose of this review. 

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