Dublin, 1967. A group of women (Kathy Bates, Maggie Smith, Agnes O’Casey) win a trip to Lourdes, each of them hoping for a miracle in their lives. Along the way...
, Agnes O'Casey) win a trip to Lourdes, each of them hoping for a miracle in their lives. Along the way, an old friend who returned to Dublin to bury her mother joins them along the way, unexpectedly reconnecting with her past and unearthing old wounds...
Considering how the cast assembled for 'The Miracle Club' is leaden with awards, it's not at all surprising that the performances are universally terrific. Yet, it's such a shame that a slight and somewhat ineffectual script brought them all together, even if they're elevating it.
In fact, 'The Miracle Club' probably could have worked just as effectively, maybe even more so, as a theatrical play than a movie. Thaddeus O'Sullivan's direction is geared more towards the performances than it is the production design or cinematography, both of which feel perfunctory at best and distractingly cheap at worst.
Yet, what keeps you engaged is the performances. Maggie Smith's performance is layered with a kind of deep-seated anguish, while Kathy Bates has a kind of gentle warmth and humour to it that's unmistakably all her own. Agnes O'Casey more than holds her own with Smith and Bates, and Laura Linney's initial aloofness is revealed gradually to be a kind of armour to protect herself against a historic grievance.
'The Miracle Club' is distinctly old-fashioned and is comfortable with this notion. For some in the audience, a familiar setting -- might just be the ticket for them. For others, however, it might seem like it's too shallow. As much as there are rich performances by award-winning actors, the script and the direction fall far short of their abilities.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Two more Dublin councils adopt largest property tax discountSouth Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Rathdown councils join Dublin City in setting 15% reduction
Read more »
This Dublin cinema is screening 'Book Club' alongside bottomless prosecco tomorrow nightThe website for Irish women
Read more »
'He will always be part of the DNA of Mohill' - O'Hara pays tribute to late Philly McGuinnessMohill will target becoming the first Leitrim club to lift the Connacht senior club championship.
Read more »
Weighing just 300g at birth, 'miracle' baby Poppy finally goes homeThe website for Irish women
Read more »
Local group takes second legal action over new permission for 208 apartments in southwest DublinSecond permission for apartment scheme on the Kimmage site challenged by residents
Read more »