The Miracle Club (2023)

'The Miracle Club' packs a fair punch, even if it never truly hits as perhaps intended - at least for me, of course. It does get darker than expected, the characters onscreen certainly do carry a load of baggage; poster-based pun not intended. I do appreciate that element, still. Maggie Smith stars in her final film role, as Laura Linney, Kathy Bates and Agnes O'Casey feature as prominently. None of them give overly good or bad showings, though Linney did feel a little weaker than the rest; or perhaps just more guarded, as intended. Bates narrowly stands out most, either way. There is heart in what it attempts to portray, admittedly I'm not sold that everything is as wrapped up as the film appears to suggest with its conclusion. I do think a different end for Daniel would've been better, for example. There is undoubtedly some sturdiness scattered in there, mind. Forgettable, but passable.

When circumstances in our lives grow burdensome, many of us hope for a miracle. In some cases, that aspiration is looked upon and anticipated as a literal possibility, one that can be banked on if certain steps are taken. For many of the world’s Roman Catholics, that means making a pilgrimage to the holy shrine at Lourdes, France, site of a believed visitation by the Virgin Mary in 1858. And, in 1967, for the anguished residents of a small Irish town, that’s just what they undertake in hopes of seeing their problems miraculously vanish. That premise provides the basis for director Thaddeus O’Sullivan’s latest feature offering, which tells the story of three generations of women who make the journey to see their trials and tribulations lifted, some of which are physical, others of which are emotional and nearly all of which are familial or relationship-oriented. This delightful and touching comedy-drama is part road trip tale, part “buddy” film (even if that term doesn’t always fit), and part saga of reconciliation, redemption and rebirth. It poignantly explores the process of making our own miracles rather than relying on outside influences, as well as learning and understanding the true meaning of faith and forgiveness. Admittedly, the film takes its time getting started (and perhaps a tad too long at that), and some of its story threads come across as somewhat schmaltzy, predictable and overly “tidy.” However, it has a definite edge to it, too, especially in its incisively biting humor, pointedly and expertly delivered through the superb performances of its principal cast members, most notably Maggie Smith, Kathy Bates, Laura Linney and Stephen Rea. Some may look upon “The Miracle Club” as something of a lightweight offering, but its heart and intents are decidedly in the right place, making for a generally enjoyable watch, particularly as a piece of family fare. Cynics may find much to criticize here, but I believe that’s patently unfair, considering the sincerity of its messages and earnestness of their delivery. So, in light of that, give this one a fair shake – you just might find a few miracles of your own come from it.

Laura Linney ("Chrissie") arrives back in the small Irish community of Ballygar following the death of her estranged mother. At that exact moment, there is a local talent contest going on and the prize is either a trip to Lourdes or a large bacon joint! Now three local women - "Lily" (Dame Maggie Smith); "Eileen" (Kathy Bates) and "Dolly" (Agnes O'Casey) want the trip so they can take the latter women's mute son "Daniel" (Eric Smith) to the shrine, they can all bathe in the waters, and hopefully the youngster will start to talk! It's a gently paced, if procedural, comedy this that allows each of the characters a few scenes to tell us of their woes before a denouement that isn't really a challenge for anyone - watching or acting. We deal with bitterness, misunderstanding, age-old opinions of sex and forgiveness as only an Irish storyline can. Along the way, Kathy Bates proves that she can knock out a tune or two, though I wouldn't give loads for Dame Maggie's backing singing, and the effort from the young, curly-haired, Smith is quite charming. Otherwise this is all just a bit too familiar. It looks charming though and shows us well just how celebratory and simultaneously toxic small community life can be - especially when fuelled by religion. It's worth a watch - the cast gel well, but it can wait til the television at Christmas.

So, I'm not a "movie snob", but (like art) I know what I like. I like this movie, **_very_** much. It was a chance to see actresses I haven't seen in a while, so it's time of a review of each of them. First, they ALL look older. And that's perfectly fine with me. I'd rather movies show me the reality of growing older than glamorize looking young and beautiful. If you still haven't a clue..."IT'S ALL ABOUT THE ACTING!!!" I LOVE seeing Maggie Smith, as I've loved her since "Jean Brodie". Kathy Bates, LOVED in "Unconditional Love", as well as 99% of her acting catalog. And Laura Linney...another GREAT actress I LOVE from the "Tales In the City" series. EACH of them show their talents with great intuition and conviction in this piece. Outstanding performances from ALL involved, with a "BRAVA!" However, this movie has dark point that even made a jaded, old gay man shed many tears. OK. It's not that difficult to make a gay man cry, but BELIEVE ME when I tell you that you, too, shall shed some tears. Maybe only a couple, but tears SHALL be shed. All in all, a FANTASTIC movie that covers the late 1950's/early 1960's opinions and life styles. VERY authentic! Of course, this is coming from an Anglophile Yank...