Review: Philomena

Philomena is about Philomena Lee (Judi Dench) who had entered a convent after falling pregnant, the holy authorities subsequently selling the son to a rich American couple. A conspiracy of silence from the ‘evil nuns’ has ensured that Philomena has never been allowed to know anything about her child's development. Phil’s daughter (Anna Maxell Martin) approaches journalist and former spin doctor Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan), believing the story to be good. Martin and Phil attempt to track down the son order to write a popular article.

There is ample opportunity to make Philomena a little obvious: the evil Church; the stereotypes of a naive old Irish woman and an arrogant Oxbridge Labourite; excessive emotion. In no way does this happen. There is a lot of emotion, but it is powerful, partly because it is derived from a true story and partly because the film is well made. Dench both accurately portrays this God-fearing ex-nurse and nails the psychological process that the real Philomena must have gone through. Coogan's role is, I suspect, closer to home for him. I have said before that he seems to bring a lot of his own vulnerabilities and insecurities into his roles. Any good actor will do the same, but it is a shame that because of Coogan’s noticeable mannerisms, people will insist that he is ‘just playing Alan Partridge’. The cynicism and anger present in Sixsmith shows that Coogan has self-awareness, insight and, ultimately, an ability to turn his flaws into art. That is surely the mark of a good artist.

The relationship between Philomena and Martin is enhanced by the acting relationship between Coogan and Dench. Maybe they just got on well, but the apparently genuine affection and understanding is a feat of performance. This relationship, I think, is a major part of the film’s charm. Steve Coogan stated several times before its release that he was proud of the film’s lack of cynicism – the touching friendship is warming to watch, and without any kind of saccharine coating. Their mix of ignorance and wisdom in different areas complements each other perfectly. The supporting cast, such as Maxwell Martin, is solid and back Dench and Coogan well.

I would certainly recommend Philomena. It is intelligent and wise, has a touch of class, and really is an ‘uncynical’ study of a heart-wrenching tale.