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Last updated: 21 Jun 2026 at 22:11 UTC

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Review of by John D — 23 Feb 2014

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Alright, on the face of it, this seems like it could be a pretty Oscar-baity movie. Something something Europe, something about roots, and throw on hints of church corruption, closeted Republicans, and self-aggrandizing political victimization.

But Philomena sells it so damn well. Dench and Coogan have wonderful chemistry, such that the movie would be watchable if there wasn't a plot whatsoever. Because Dench makes a character who may have been easily caricature into a full human, the emotional moments carry ludicrous weight without dipping into schmaltz.

The end may be a tiny bit heavyhanded, but Philomena on the whole is an often hilarious and constantly engrossing film.

This review of Philomena (2013) was written by on 23 Feb 2014.

Philomena has generally received very positive reviews.

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