Review of Philomena (2013) by Dov D — 04 May 2014

Stephen Frears latest masterpiece is an adaptation of a 2009 investigation into finding Philomena Lee's long lost child. Frears' brilliant style is evidenced through the natural pacing and progression of the narrative through casual dialogue instead of having characters overtly saying things solely to move the story along.

The screenplay by Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope is wonderfully written, juxtaposing Philomena's the present and past perfectly. None of this would have been evident if not for Judi Dench and Steve Coogan's magnificent performances.

Dench especially was able to completely transform into her character, creating a level of empathy from the audience that catapulted this simple story into the marvelous cinematic experience that it was.

Alexandre Desplat's emotionally drenched score was the final aspect tying this film together to become the Oscar-contender that it was. Bottom line, this is hardly a transcendent movie, but it's nearly perfect for what it is.

I'd recommend this movie to everyone everywhere.