'Philomena' Movie Review: Judi Dench, Steven Coogan Shine in Nuanced Drama

Do miracles exist? Moreover, what defines a miracle? The believers and cynics alike have their own opposing views on this particular matter but there can be no doubt that the question itself stirs up a tremendous amount of emotion for those that believe and those that do not. These questions are central to Stephen Frears breathtaking "Philomena."

Based on a true story, "Philomena" follows failed politician Martin Sixsmith as he tries to revamp his life through a return to journalism. While searching for a story, he is introduced to the title character, an elderly woman that has just revealed that she once had a boy that was taken away from her by nuns at a convent in Ireland. Sixsmith agrees to help her search for her son in hopes of resurrecting his career.

There are actually two narratives at play in this film. The first relates the search for Philomena's son; it is in this storyline where the two characters unite toward a similar goal. The second narrative contrasts the two main protagonists' respective views on faith and God. This is where the idea of the miracle and what defines it comes into play. From the outset the idea of faith takes hold of the film as Sixsmith is shown exiting a mass and ridiculing a statue of an idol; moments later Philomena is shown praying ardently and painfully. Philomena constantly attempts to share her religious values with her companion but he dismisses her readily and often resorts to ridiculing her "blind faith." This subdued power struggle creates increasing tension between the duo and rattles the strength of its title character. The true genius of Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope's script is how it brings these two narrative threads closer together until they merge in the film's glorious, but subtle, climax.

The true miracle of this film is the powerful turn by Dame Judi Dench. The thespian has had a penchant for playing potent characters that hide their humanity behind a cool exterior; "M" in the James Bond series is a perfect example. Philomena does not hide that humanity in the least; in fact this may be the most outwardly vulnerable character the actress has played over the last few years. The opening close-up reveals a tremendous amount of pain and the subsequent scene in which she contemplates the photograph of her long lost son also portrays a vast ocean of mystery. Throughout, Dench emanates warmth and kindness, this is a truly benevolent soul that follows the word of God. In the climactic scene Dench manages to really express the conflict between the anger of the suffering woman and the kindness she has always lived with; how this conflict is resolved is possibly one of the most fascinating moments in cinema this year.

Steve Coogan is perfect as Philomena's partner and adversary. Where she is kind, he is harsh and critical. While she is naïve and well-intentioned, he is morally dubious and cynical. The actor brings his usual tools to the part and manages a performance of nuance and depth that manages to complement Dench's formidable turn really well; despite her knockout performance, this film is as much his as it is hers.

Frears manages to keep the film moving at a brisk pace and balances the dark drama (and it does truly go to inhumane depths) with moments of pure fun and comic timing.

Philomena works on a number of levels, whether it is as an exploration of faith or as a film about two characters coming to terms with one another. Dench is as radiant as ever in the title role while Coogan is masterful as her foil.