There was quite a bit of reminiscing as my friend and I watched the advanced screening of The Miracle Club this week.
Set in 1967 and filmed around picturesque Ireland, we would have been in our late teens back then. We had a giggle at some of the outfits we used to wear and nodded understandingly at the narrow minded, judgemental attitudes from the local villagers.
We are both from small towns and that’s how it was in those days. Discrimination towards women was rife, the men ruled. At times it was women against women. We both commented about how things may have improved somewhat, yet society is still resistant to behaviourial changes. Some people remain cruel and hurtful and jump to conclusions before knowing the full picture. The Miracle Club holds all of these themes.
With perfectly cast actors, Maggie Smith, Kathy Bates and Laura Linney take us on a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and forgiveness. It is heartwarming, funny, shows the power of friendship and love, and that miracles can happen in the most unusual ways. We loved this film and as expected both digging into our handbags for the tissues.
The Story
Living in Ballyfermot, a hard-knocked community in Dublin, Ireland, close friends Lily (Maggie Smith), Eileen (Kathy Bates), and Dolly (Agnes O’Casey) enter a local talent quest and win a pilgrimage trip to Lourdes, France. Due to their close friend’s death her outcast daughter Chrissie (Laura Linney) returns from the U.S after a long absence to attend her mother’s funeral. Chrissie ends up joining Lily, Eileen and Dolly on their journey where they are tasked with helping the sick and disabled pilgrims to bathe in the French healing springs. Old wounds are opened and the women reluctantly confront their past
Each has their own story and private reason for desperately needing to go to Lourdes including a taste of freedom from their mundane lives. With the support of their local priest, the women live in the hope they will find resolution to their inner battles as they reflect on their lives and confront their inner devils. Even though the miracle they hoped for is not as expected, their lives are changed forever. There is a poignant message to this film. We are reminded, we are only as strong as the friends and family who stand by us.
Cast & Crew
Director: Thaddeus O’Sullivan
Producers: Chris Curling, Alixandre Witlin, Larry Bass, John P.Gleeson, Joshua D.Maurer, Aaron Farrell, Oisin O’Neill
Executive Producers: Christelle Conan, Hugo Grumbar, Tim Haslam, Louise Nathanson, Andrea Scarso, Peter Touche, Anna Vincent
Writers: Joshua D. Maurer, Timothy Prager, Jimmy Smallhorne
Cast: Laura Linney, Kathy Bates, Maggie Smith, Agnes O’Casey, Stephen Rea
Only In Cinemas August 3
On the birth of her two grandsons, Ruth Greening experienced an awakening in her life and entering Gen GP (Generation Grandparent) she was given the moniker Nanny Babe as her ‘grandmother’ title. She found things had changed since her child rearing days, and an adjustment to new parenting concepts was required. Hence the birth of the Nanny Babe blog from a baby boomers perspective.
Ruth holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Philosophy, completing this degree while working as a hairdresser and supporting her two children as a single mother. Ruth has worked in the corporate world for approximately thirty years and has recently retired to address her artistic passions.
She is experienced in senior management positions, marketing, modelling, commercials, film, community radio and writing.
Nanny Babe is active with her hobbies—fitness, writing, blogging, jewellery, crafts, singing, dancing, memoirs, mentoring and now faces diversity and self-discovery on her recent ‘retirement’ path. Connect with Nanny Babe on her blog – hit the link above!
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