Philomena

Name: Philomena
Genre: Drama
Released: November 22, 2013
Duration: 98 min
Rating: 77
Cast: Judi Dench, Steve Coogan

2013

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 42 Critic Reviews

See All

USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 232 Ratings

See All

7.8

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

7.8	Your Score
7.8	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 232 Ratings

Would you like to write a review?

There is a 75 character minimum for reviews. If your review contains spoilers, please check the Spoiler box. Please do not use ALL CAPS. There is no linking or other HTML allowed. Your review may be edited for content. 0/5000

Check box if your review contains spoilers

Play Sound

Please enter your birth date to watch this video:

You are not allowed to view this material at this time.

Philomena

Now Playing: Philomena

Movie Details & Credits

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation | Release Date: November 22, 2013 | R

Starring: Judi Dench, Steve Coogan

Summary: A world-weary political journalist picks up the story of a woman's search for her son, who was taken away from her decades ago after she became pregnant and was forced to live in a convent.

Director: Stephen Frears

Genre(s): Drama

Rating: R

Runtime: 98 min

See All Details and Credits

Watch Now

Stream On

Buy on

Stream On

Expand

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

100

Rex Reed

Nov 19, 2013

It’s profoundly moving and thoroughly mind provoking, but despite the poignant subject matter, I promise you will not leave Philomena depressed. I’ve seen it twice and felt exhilarated, informed, enriched, absorbed and optimistic both times. Read full review

Deborah Young

Nov 21, 2013

Stephen Frears is in full possession of his filmmaking talent in Philomena, one of his most pulled-together dramas in years. Read full review

Ann Hornaday

Nov 27, 2013

At its core, this clever, wrenching, profound story underscores the tenacity of faith in the face of unfathomable cruelty. Evil may be good, story-wise. But virtue, at its most tested and tempered, is even better. Read full review

The Guardian Xan Brooks

Sep 16, 2013

Its main focus is the sparky, shifting relationship between its two protagonists and its trump card the startling chemistry between its two main stars. Read full review

Joshua Rothkopf

Nov 19, 2013

A trip to America bears its share of exasperated hotel-room humor, but watch both actors lean into characters seeking redemption; their clash is invigorating, with a mature payoff that has two minds meeting and getting further along. It’s a tonic to all the Oscar-season showboating: Call it Best Duo. Read full review

Claudia Puig

Nov 21, 2013

Compelling, poignant and gently funny. Read full review

Kyle Smith

Nov 21, 2013

With Philomena, British producer-writer-star Steve Coogan and director Stephen Frears hit double blackjack, finding a true-life tale that would enable them to simultaneously attack Catholics and Republicans. There’s no other purpose to the movie, so if 90 minutes of organized hate brings you joy, go and buy your ticket now. Read full review

SEE ALL 42 REVIEWS

Write a Review

User Reviews

foxgrove

Nov 22, 2013

Whilst '12 Years a Slave' and 'The Butler' are banging the drum for the civil rights movement in America, another less talked about atrocity that took place in Ireland is broached in Philomena, namely the dreadful practise of catholic nuns selling the children of young unwed mothers. TheseWhilst '12 Years a Slave' and 'The Butler' are banging the drum for the civil rights movement in America, another less talked about atrocity that took place in Ireland is broached in Philomena, namely the dreadful practise of catholic nuns selling the children of young unwed mothers. These 'fallen women' were forced into convents which were run like work houses in order for them 'to cleanse their sins'. Many were in their early teens and most never saw their children again after adoption. This film concerns the search by one such mother,Philomena, who along with a journalist sets out to find the son she hasn't seen in nearly 50 years.
Judi Dench plays the title character and her performance is a class act. She gives an effortlessly briliiant and believable portrayal of this tortured, but hopeful woman. She is an actress to whom her art just seems to come naturally and she is again at the top of her game. Steve Coogan is also very good as the journalist and he can take another bow for co-authoring the richly textured screenplay. Whilst the writing tackles serious issues it still manages to tap into some wonderful humour in the midst of this desperately sad situation. The film, though, is certainly never mawkish, but it is at times genuinely affecting. In fact, the only thing that comes out bad here is the light shining on the Catholic Church.… Expand

6 of 8 users found this helpful62

Salahsue

Feb 10, 2014

This is an excellent movie, well constructed and interesting. It's not action-packed but it's not meant to be. Judy Dench is, as usual, terrific and Steve Coogan is a perfect foil for her. Their synergy on screen is mesmerizing. Never for one second did I think "that's Judy DenchThis is an excellent movie, well constructed and interesting. It's not action-packed but it's not meant to be. Judy Dench is, as usual, terrific and Steve Coogan is a perfect foil for her. Their synergy on screen is mesmerizing. Never for one second did I think "that's Judy Dench pretending to be Irish", her performance was impeccable.If you're looking for fast-paced action with lots of twists and turns, this is not the movie for you, but if you want a heartfelt, warm, human story, then don't miss this.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

gigiharris17

Nov 9, 2015

It's a film with depth, tackling big issues while managing to be an immensely personal story at the same time.

Watch this movie online http://www.watchfree.to/watch-29dfce-Philomena-movie-online-free-putlocker.html

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Nitish

Aug 20, 2014

It's beautiful..!!
.
In the starting half hour i was thinking that this movie might come out as a old Bollywood kind of stuff but after that it just started moving up and up and up and ended with the infinite beauty..!! It's really a very beautiful movie and captured different emotionsIt's beautiful..!!
.
In the starting half hour i was thinking that this movie might come out as a old Bollywood kind of stuff but after that it just started moving up and up and up and ended with the infinite beauty..!!
It's really a very beautiful movie and captured different emotions in a very wonderful way.. ..!!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

JanL

Dec 27, 2013

This is a delightful little movie. Judi Dench is terrific (as usual) and her performance may be Oscar-worthy. The movie made me feel something emotionally which is what I seek.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

amheretojudge

May 1, 2018

what's done is done..

Philomena The exaggeration of one's affection and the keen sense of hunger towards the personality is projected with utter beauty and through little maniacal things that actually sweetens it up. Steven Coogan and Jeff Pope's adaptation from Martin Sixsmith's book maywhat's done is done..

Philomena The exaggeration of one's affection and the keen sense of hunger towards the personality is projected with utter beauty and through little maniacal things that actually sweetens it up. Steven Coogan and Jeff Pope's adaptation from Martin Sixsmith's book may be short and edited nicely but isn't smart or effective as the writers think. If the script is a let down, then Stephen Frears saves it brilliantly through its amazing execution skills that doesn't fail to impress the audience. Judi Dench stands alone on performance in here as she is the core strength and the highlight of the feature despite of Steve Coogan's decent act. Philomena is surely an important feature that draws out essential questions and emotions on screen but on terms of drama; that is its genre, it fails to create the anticipated impact.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

AlexAndersen

Dec 7, 2014

Could have been a cute movie if not for the out of context political jabs. I watch movies for entertainment. If want political statements I can always watch cable news. Sorry can't recommend this film for this reason. Very annoying!

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

SEE ALL 51 REVIEWS