Philomena is a heartwarming and heartbreaking soulful tale

There is nothing new about the concept of punishing people for sexual promiscuity. Historically (and even not historically) young women getting pregnant out of wedlock leading to societal condemnation is considered deserved and proper. And yet, there are always further depths of suffering that might be allowed as “acceptable,” especially when religious extremism is introduced. It may seem odd to those with more “average” upbringings, but even those with teenage pregnancy may actually love and care about their children, despite what reality shows might have you believe. This leads to another, complicated wrinkle: adoption. Because what happens when the mother never wanted to give up her child in the first place?

Philomena stars Judi Dench as the eponymous character in a movie based on real life events. When journalist Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan) is fired from a prestigious government position, he searches for something new to do with his life, and he finds a possible story with Philomena Lee. Philomena is an elderly Irish lady that got pregnant as a teenager, and then was dumped in a convent, where she was forced to work for free until she “paid off” what she ostensibly owed the nuns. And when her son was just a little boy, he was given away (and sold) to an American couple to be adopted. It’s been fifty years, and Philomena has finally decided it’s time to find her son, if Martin is willing to help (in exchange for what is hopefully an interesting story). So the two begin their search, but what they will find may not be what either has expected.

Any time a movie adapts a non-fictional story, it’s a risky venture. Can you successfully tell a legitimate story arc where the real world things aren’t so clean? Or have you gone too far, decrying realism for the sake of the tale. Thankfully this film manages to avoid such pitfalls and tells a wonderful story. The script, cowritten by Steve Coogan, is filled with pathos and cheer in equal measures, providing exceptionally well-rounded glimpses into these two searchers. Judi Dench is of course tremendous in her role of a mother hoping against all hope and against all odds to find a missing child, showing both subtlety and deep emotion when needed. Steve Coogan doesn’t go overboard here with comedy, instead portraying what seems like a real life individual, quirks and flaws in place. The acting, writing, and story fit together perfectly, with an ending that couldn’t be any other way.

Sometimes a movie will hit that emotional chord that blends sadness and happiness, telling a story about humanity but without excessive drama. Instead, it’s simply showing how far some might act when judging, and how hope is an aspect of character that can last a lifetime. Honestly, it’s not the worse lesson. And in a year filled with darkness and terror, something just bittersweet and meaningful is a nice change of pace.