MOVIE REVIEW - Philomena

Sometimes a movie comes along that dares to tell a story that others won't. That is the wonderful new Philomena.  This stars two actors, both at the top of their game.  Judi Dench stars as Philomena and Steve Coogan stars as Martin in this must see movie.  This is based on a true story.

Philomena is a woman from Britain, now in her 70's. At the age of about 16 became pregnant out of wedlock.  Her own mother had died, and her father was so full of 1950's shame, he dumped his daughter at this remote Catholic retreat in Ireland that was run by nuns.  They accepted young women in those days in this situation, and gave them shelter and basic care in exchange for endless non-paid labor in prison like conditions.  And many times, ended up selling these young women's children to rich people. That is what happened to Philomena. Now she wants to find her son on his 50th birthday.  She has kept his entire thing a secret her whole life. Even from her family.

She meets Martin, who is a recently fired BBC reporter that is a bit down on his luck and looking to reinvent himself into the next stage of his career.  He and Philomena cross paths and he reluctantly decides to write her story and help her track down her son.   He feels though this whole thing is beneath him, and not by a little.

His investigation leads them both to America, where they locate her son in Washington D.C., as a big time lawyer.   But there are roadblocks along the way.  And will this be the ending that Philomena is hoping for? 

This movie does such a wonderful job in creating two complex characters that both just pop right off  the screen.  Dench is Oscar worthy superb as the insanely charming, yet almost uncontrollably naive Philomena.   Dench continues to really get better with age.  Her performance here is another in a long list of memorable roles that are enchanting and acted out so naturally you almost forget she's acting.  

Coogan though to me was the thing that drove this movie to greatness.  He is sensational as the arrogant Martin, that thinks this is an act of desperation at first to take on this story.
He grows nicely and steadily. First as Philomena's writer, to eventually become her friend.  Martin also becomes a dogged advocate for her, and he story.  He could not have been better cast.  This is basically a two person movie, and these two were the ones for the job. 

At times, this is much more dark and heavy than the previews would suggest. Plus this makes a loud and clear social statement about many issues, including the Catholic Church - both then and now.  In many regards as fun as this can be , this is a bit daring.  But mixed in, is a well written script with many charming scenes and exchanges between our stars that give this movie great balance.  A comedy at times, and a dramedy at others. 

Philomena.  This is just flat our good.  One of the years best movies. And our stars are terrific. Go see it -  this weekend.