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Philomena

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Philomena

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• Documentary
• Drama

• 2013
• Stephen Frears
• 97 mins
• 12A

Summary

Drama based on a true story, starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan. A jaded journalist picks up the story of an Irish woman's 50 year search for the son who was taken away from her when she was a teenage inmate of a Catholic convent.

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Review

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Stella Papamichael

Judi Dench is on sparkling form as the Irishwoman of the title, whose child was snatched away by nuns at a time when giving birth out of wedlock was treated as a criminal act. Decades later, journalist Martin Sixsmith represents her only hope of finding her son (the film is based on his 2009 book The Lost Child of Philomena Lee). Steve Coogan is suitably irascible as the former BBC correspondent, just publicly fired from his second career as a Labour government adviser, initially turning his nose up at the idea of pursuing a "human interest story". But Philomena, brimming with religious faith and optimism, is such a force of nature that he can't help but be swayed. Director Stephen Frears exploits the odd-couple dynamic to great effect, not only generating wonderful comic moments but also bringing home the tragedy of Philomena's life. He might have given their journey to America a little more cinematic sweep, but it's no less inspiring for that. You'll laugh and you'll cry, sometimes both at the same time.

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7.6/10

How to watch

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Streaming

• Sky Store

Credits

Cast

rolenamePhilomena LeeJudi DenchMartin SixsmithSteve CooganSally MitchellMichelle FairleySister HildegardeBarbara JeffordJaneAnna Maxwell MartinMaryMare WinninghamYoung PhilomenaSophie Kennedy ClarkMother BarbaraRuth McCabeKate SixsmithSimone Lahbib

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Crew

rolenameDirectorStephen Frears

Details

Theatrical distributor

pathe

Released on

2013-11-01

Languages

English

Guidance

Swearing

Available on

DVD and Blu-ray

Formats

Colour

News & features about Philomena

• 
  
  Philomena Cunk first-look unveiled by BBC for "most glamorous" series to date
  
  The latest instalment in the British mockumentary television franchise will see the ill-informed documentary maker examine the history of cinema.

• 
  
  Philomena Cunk return confirmed by BBC for all-new series with a very different focus
  
  Diane Morgan’s comedic character is back filming a new mockumentary.

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• 
  
  Ann Droid legend Diane Morgan's new Philomena Cunk episodes finally get their release date confirmed with extra treat for fans
  
  Get your popcorn ready – Cunk on Cinema is heading to our screens.

• 
  
  Philomena Cunk favourite Diane Morgan is reunited with Motherland co-star in first look at new BBC sci-fi sitcom
  
  A widowed older woman finds an unlikely ally in her robotic home helper in the upcoming BBC sitcom.

• 
  
  Philomena Cunk meets Charlie Brooker: "You make me look a right plum half the time"
  
  The faux broadcaster tackles life's biggest questions in her new special.

• 
  
  Philomena Cunk is bringing out an encyclopedia covering "the entirety of human knowledge"
  
  The comedy character is ready to make her contribution to the world of Christmas gift books

• 
  
  Freeview film of the day: Philomena
  
  Steve Coogan and Judi Dench bring a bit of comedy and a bit of heartbreak to this tale of a woman looking for the child she gave up decades before

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• 
  
  Diane Morgan: "Philomena Cunk is who I’d love to be if I had the balls"
  
  Actor and comedian Diane Morgan discusses her brilliant BBC alter ego ahead of new BBC series Cunk on Britain

• 
  
  BBC reveals details of new five-part Philomena Cunk series Cunk on Britain
  
  The comedy character is part of a line-up of new satire shows announced by the BBC

• 
  
  Charlie Brooker's Philomena Cunk explains everything about Christmas
  
  "It’s illegal to sing carols at any other time of year, so people make the most of it at Christmas by coming round your house and singing at you until you give them stuff"

• 
  
  Maxine Peake and Philomena Cunk's Diane Morgan team up for new comedy
  
  Morgan is hoping for a commission for the comedy in which the two play very different sisters

• 
  
  Mandy star Diane Morgan addresses axed Christmas special
  
  The unexpected schedule change was "due to world events".

• 
  
  Legends and Stranger Things favourites confirmed for starry new crime saga from Netflix
  
  They join previously-announced leads Emilia Jones and Alison Oliver.

• 
  
  Return to Paradise season 3 first look reveals aftermath of shock exit and arrival of Mack's mother
  
  Season 3 is gearing up to be the show's most eventful yet...

• 
  
  Return to Paradise star teases "hellish" start to season 3 for Mackenzie, following major cliffhanger
  
  "The first episode of season 3 is maybe the most uncomfortable we've ever seen her, and we've seen her uncomfortable quite a lot."

• 
  
  Return to Paradise cast: Who stars in season 2 of the Death in Paradise spin-off?
  
  Everything you need to know about the characters and where you've seen the cast before.

• 
  
  Motherland and Brookside icons star in exclusive look at BBC’s new AI comedy
  
  Diane Morgan, Sue Johnston and Paul Ready lead the cast of Ann Droid.

• 
  
  Death in Paradise spin-off delivers major update on third season - plus returning and new cast confirmed
  
  Anna Samson will reprise her role as DS Mackenzie Clarke.

• 
  
  After Life and Baby Reindeer stars revealed to star in new high-concept TV series with impressive British cast
  
  The series will star Juno Temple as a single woman who discovers a limitless supply of husbands in her attic.

• 
  
  When is Diane Morgan's Mandy Christmas special due to air after being pulled from 2025 schedule?
  
  The festive episode was removed from schedules last year.

• 
  
  Cunk on Life confirms UK air date on BBC for new Diane Morgan special
  
  Diane Morgan's hit mockumentary series is making a return.

• 
  
  Return to Paradise season 2 first look unveiled as Death in Paradise favourite's return confirmed
  
  We're headed back Down Under.

• 
  
  Slow Horses favourite stars in tense exclusive first-look clip at all-new 5 thriller
  
  Could there be something uneasy brewing under the surface of Katie's sunlit holiday?

• 
  
  Return to Paradise premiere answers two big mysteries about DI Mackenzie Clarke
  
  She's got some serious baggage...

See more about Philomena

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