'Wonderful' Irish drama with 'brilliant' Judi Dench now streaming
The 2013 drama is based on a book by journalist Martin Sixsmith.
A film set in Ireland and the US, which is based on a heart-wrenching book from 2009, is available to watch on Netflix now.
The film stars Judi Dench and Steve Coogan and gained critical praise upon its release, receiving several international film awards.
Based on The Lost Child of Philomena Lee, Dench plays the title character Philomena, an elderly woman who has been searching for her son for 50 years.
Coogan plays Sixsmith, who tries to help her find him. Nominated for four BAFTA Awards and three Golden Globe Awards, it was a huge hit.
After losing his job as a government adviser, London-based journalist Martin Sixsmith is approached by Philomena's daughter.
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Viewers learn of Philomena's heartbreaking story set in the 1950s in Roscrea, Ireland.
Coogan wrote the screenplay alongside Jeff Pope, and they won Best Screenplay at the 70th Venice International Film Festival.
Fans have taken to Google Reviews to share their thoughts, with Ruby Chitre sharing: "This movie made me sob!! The end is so so beautiful! It's based on so much cruelty and yet love conquers it in a way!"
Jochen Stossberg added: "It's wonderful. Deeply moving and very funny. I totally loved this touching movie.
"Judi Dench and Steve Coogan are brilliant together and the screenplay has enough bite to it to keep it feeling relevant."
Further praising Dench for her performance, Bruce Marshall commented: "This was an excellent movie with impeccable acting by Judi Dench.
"The story is a true story and it’s just heart-breaking to watch the deceit that was foisted on an innocent woman. Very well worth watching."
A P concluded: "If your schedule allows you to watch only one movie... the rest of the year... make it this one.
"Dame Judi Dench gives a performance that reminds everyone of why she has become synonymous with the words gifted dramatic talent."
Philomena is on Netflix