Co-written by Jeff Pope and co-star Steve Coogan, Philomena is inspired by the true story of Philomena Lee, an Irish woman who had a baby of out wedlock in the early 1950’s when she was just 18. Embarrassed by his daughter’s condition, Philomena’s father sent her to a convent where she had the baby, endured hard labor, and the eventual forced adoption of her son. After a few attempts over the years at finding him, Philomena had all but given up hope, finally confessing the truth to her daughter (Anna Maxwell Martin), who shares the information with former journalist and current disgraced government advisor, Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan).
Initially, the rather pompous Sixsmith feels it beneath him to write a “human interest” story, but a publisher’s offer convinces him to take on the job. Philomena and Martin head to the convent to start the search for her son. Philomena is crestfallen to learn that all the records related to her son were burned in a church fire years earlier. Martin is less inclined to simply take their word for it.
A local bar provides some information about the nun’s activities, which leads Martin to believe that Philomena’s son was purchased (not adopted) by wealthy Americans. Philomena decides to take a trip with Martin to the United States to search for her son, thus beginning a long trip of discovery for both of them.
Coogan and Dench play remarkably well off each other, which provides some humorous moments in an otherwise emotional film. However, this is clearly Judi Dench’s film. Philomena is different from many of the women the actress has played; a simple, but kind woman, Philomena has spent the last fifty years of her life atoning for what she was told was a sin. Dench has to be both subtle and vulnerable—Philomena is not given to dramatic crying jags, and angry outbursts—something she does with grace and realism. It comes as little surprise that Judi Dench earned both a Golden Globe and Academy Award nomination for her work.
While Philomena is certainly about this woman’s search for her son, it’s also about the unique bond that slowly forms between Philomena and Martin Sixsmith. Two people with vastly different personalities, the uneducated Philomena teaches the highly educated Sixsmith some much needed life lessons, while he makes her begin to see that what happened to her son wasn’t necessarily a sin she had to spend the rest of her life atoning for, redemption was possible.
Anchor Bay’s 1080p transfer is quite impressive. The clean look of digital photography represents the modern day sequences, while a decidedly grittier feel is given to the events that took place some five decades earlier. Both look stunning. The modern day footage looks glossy, but it’s never overdone. Detail is superb throughout, as is clarity and definition. Black levels are deep, while skin tones look true to life, and the color palette is consistent. Fans should be very pleased with this transfer.
Philomena‘s DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack is what a viewer pretty much wants from a dramatic, dialogue-heavy film. Music is well placed and clear. It’s never aggressive, but fills the entire soundfield when called upon. Even minor sound effects come through very well, and dialogue is always clear and concise.
English SDH, and Spanish subtitles are included.
The following extras are available:
- Audio Commentary: Writer/Actor/Producer Steve Coogan and Screenwriter Jeff Pope discuss many things, including story elements, film anecdotes, scene specifics, themes, performances, score, and more.
- A Conversation with Judi Dench (SD, 8:54): The acclaimed actress discusses her early acting career, playing in the James Bond films, career advice, her thoughts on playing a variety of parts, and more.
- The Real Philomena Lee (SD, 2:47): A story recap and an interview with the real Philomena Lee at AFI Fest.
- Q&A with Steve Coogan (SD, 24:17): Moderator Timothy Blake hosts the Actor/Writer/Producer. From the Guild Screening in Los Angeles, CA, December 2013.
- UV Digital Copy
- Digital Copy
