Philomena
A grieving Irish mother and a disgraced journalist form an unlikely alliance to uncover the truth behind her son’s forced adoption.
Overview
A poignant journey of discovery and reconciliation unfolds as two unlikely companions embark on a quest for truth.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- witty
- compassionate
- melancholic
- thoughtful evening
- historical drama night
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film as a profoundly affecting true-story drama elevated by Judi Dench and Steve Coogan’s performances, though some found its moral framing overly polished or middlebrow.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Philomena’s decades-long search is rooted in the Catholic convent’s removal of her son and concealment of his fate.
Philomena and Martin Sixsmith travel together while their contrasting faith, politics, and social backgrounds reshape the investigation.
The film uses intimate performances and understated travel and interview scenes to foreground the human investigation.
Philomena’s capacity for forgiveness is tested by the convent’s treatment of her and the unresolved pain surrounding her son.
Films like Philomena, and why
Movie Details
- Director
- Stephen Frears
- Release Date
- 2013-11-01
- Runtime
- 98 min
- Rating
- 7.3 / 10 (1754)
Cast
- Judi Dench
- Steve Coogan
- Sophie Kennedy Clark
- Mare Winningham
- Barbara Jefford
- Ruth McCabe
- Peter Hermann
- Sean Mahon
- Anna Maxwell Martin
- Michelle Fairley
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Britbox Apple TV channel, Lionsgate+ Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Philomena about?
- A grieving Irish mother and a disgraced journalist form an unlikely alliance to uncover the truth behind her son’s forced adoption.
- What is Philomena like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Philomena as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Philomena violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Philomena.
- What did critics think of Philomena?
- Critics broadly praised the film as a profoundly affecting true-story drama elevated by Judi Dench and Steve Coogan’s performances, though some found its moral framing overly polished or middlebrow.
- Which films are like Philomena?
- Films with a similar feel include The Dig, Spotlight, and Doubt.
- How long is Philomena?
- Philomena runs 98 minutes.
- Where can I watch Philomena?
- In United States, Philomena streams on Britbox Apple TV channel, Lionsgate+ Amazon Channel.
