Dame Judi Dench stars in the titular role in Stephen Frear’s Philomena as an aging woman who has kept a dark secret for over fifty years. As a young Irish-Catholic woman living in a convent, Philomena was forced to give up her illegitimate son for adoption in America wholly against her will. Now, with the help of recently disgraced BBC journalist Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan), Philomena embarks on a cross-continental journey in an attempt to unravel the mystery and track down her long-lost child. Inspired by the real-life Martin Sixsmith’s 2009 article “The True Story of Philomena Lee,” this film reveals the story of the past alongside that of the present, exposing a horrifying system of abuse.
It was a pleasant surprise to see this little film, which was one of my personal favourites at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, receive a Best Picture nomination. Without this kind of recognition, such films often do not reach a mainstream audience, yet nominations always arouse curiosity and I imagine that many filmgoers are in for a welcome treat. Equally wonderful – and deserving – is Dame Judi Dench’s nomination in the Best Actress in a Leading Role category for her charming and heartbreaking portrayal of Philomena Lee. This individual is not as simple as she may initially appear, and Dench has crafted a multi-layered character both intelligent and full of life. Dench is also a master of gentle comedy, providing many laughs along with the inevitable tears as she interacts with and reacts to her costar Steve Coogan. The film has also received nominations for its emotive Original Score that perfectly compliments each scene, as well as its Adapted Screenplay by lead actor Coogan himself. Although The Wolf of Wall Street is the front-runner in the latter category, Philomena shocked many and took this same prize at the Venice Film Festival where it premiered, so a surprise upset may be in the cards.
Rarely can a film move an audience to laughter and to tears by turns, but Philomena accomplishes just that feat. Gently funny and simultaneously devastatingly tragic, this is a film that prompts real emotional responses from its audiences, and in my opinion, that is one of the highest achievements for which a film can aim. A beautiful piece of film, this quiet little work deserves all of the attention that it is now receiving, and I for one could not be happier.
