Inside: A review of the movie The Miracle Club. Press tickets supplied.
I often go on cinema dates with my little sister as a way to spend time together while catching the latest movies. We don’t go as often as I’d like but it is always a fun night out.
This week we went to see The Miracle Club which was released in the UK on 13th October 2023. It stars Maggie Smith who is one of my favourite actors and an absolute legend in my opinion.
What is the plot?
Set in Ballygar, Dublin, Ireland in 1968 the movie follows 3 friends who enter a talent competition to win tickets for a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France.
Each friend has a personal reason for wanting to make the pilgrimage and hope to experience a miracle once they get to France.
Also along for the ride is an estranged friend, who has been in the US for decades. This return and with emotions running high results in old wounds being re-opened and truths exposed.
Who stars in the movie?
The main cast features Maggie Smith, Kathy Bates, Agnes O’Casey and Laura Linney.
Is it based on a true story?
The movie was based on the memories of co-writer Jimmy Smallhorne, focusing on the females in his family and life growing up in a small town in Ireland.
Movie Trailer
My thoughts
I loved the feel of the movie, created by the scenery, town setting, time period and fantastic cinematography bringing it all to life.
The actors all told the story beautifully, sharing the relationships between husbands and wives at that time and how grief can shape a person and their relationships over time.
There are a few delicate themes being covered in the movie, with the shame that surrounded pregnancy outside of marriage at that time being the theme that ties everything together.
It was a heartwarming movie about friendship, betrayal, hurt, and forgiveness that would appeal to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking storylines.
The only thing I wish they had included is perhaps a flashback to have seen the characters 40 years before so that we could get a sense of what went on and their chemistry back then. It would have helped build backstory and a connection to the characters sooner perhaps.
But overall a pleasant movie that shows you that acceptance and forgiveness will set you free.