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Poster for Philomena

Philomena

These two unlikely companions are on a journey to find her long lost son.

2013 · 1h 38m · PG-13 Drama
Directed by Stephen Frears

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Overview

A woman searches for her adult son, who was taken away from her decades ago when she was forced to live in a convent.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
91%
Tomatometer
Fresh

What at first seems formulaic comedy gains a deeper resonance as we see how they represent two responses to cruelty and injustice -- first outrage, and with time, eventually, forgiveness.

Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
Fresh

It's smart and unsweetened.

Wesley Morris, Grantland
Fresh

Even as Philomena embraces the expected feel-good dynamics, it avoids taking the usual path and doesn't paint all of the "evil" nuns with the same brush.

Peter Howell, Toronto Star
Fresh

We wouldn't care about any of this if the performances were weak. But both actors find complexity and depth.

Jocelyn Noveck, Associated Press
Fresh

At its core, this clever, wrenching, profound story underscores the tenacity of faith in the face of unfathomable cruelty.

Ann Hornaday, Washington Post

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