While it’s a movie about religion and all that comes with it, The Miracle Club has so much more to offer. With a stellar cast including Laura Linney, Kathy Bates and Maggie Smith not to mention the beautiful countryside of 1967 Ireland. What you start with is a town built on going to Church on Sundays. But what you’re left with is a wholehearted journey to self discovery, reconciliation and the appreciation of one another.
Pitched as a comedy. I would say it’s more a drama with a spattering of comedy. Old friends Lily and Eileen have got their hopes high to win a local church talent show. And with the help of Dolly, a spectacular stage outfit and a crowd pleasing song, they’re in with a chance.
Lily (Maggie Smith) spends her mornings saying hello to her son. Sadly it’s a memorial dedicated to him in the beach shore. We’re immediately aware something isn’t quite right here.
Eileen (Kathy Bates) has her hands full caring for her six children of all ages. Winning this competition would mean Eileen gets a break from her non-stop day to day. Her husband, no so fond of the idea.
And lastly is a young mother Dolly (Agnes O’Casey). Her eldest son isn’t speaking yet and her hands are full with her baby. Dolly’s husband doesn’t understand and finds it all too easy to leave Dolly to it.
These three women each have a reason to win this talent show. You see, to win would mean a trip to the sacred town of Lourdes. Here miracles can happen. Lily has a shorter leg that could be healed. Eileen might be cured of her suspected breast cancer. Dolly’s son might start talking.
While they didn’t win the competition, the three ladies were lucky enough to be gifted the winning tickets from the actual winner. So together the women packed their bags and said farewell to their less than understanding husbands.
But to ruffle some feathers, in steps Chrissie (Laura Linney). Chrissie is the estranged daughter of Lily and Eileen’s late friend. She has come to settle her mother’s estate. She also happens to be the partner of Lily’s late son.
Chrissie reluctantly joins the pilgrimage, it’s unclear to herself why. Perhaps it’s the Priest’s insistence. Or perhaps she is genuinely seeking to reconcile differences.
On the journey they find it’s not so much about the spiritual healing from their god. They find it’s about acceptance of their differences and finding peace within themselves to move on happily in their lives and with each other.
With an absolute power house of performing talent there’s not a moment in this script that isn’t performed to its full potential. Maggie Smith (Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, The Best Marigold Exotic Hotel) taps into this beautiful yet lost soul longing to understand and forgive her son for leaving her too early.
Laura Linney (Love Actually, The Truman Show, Ozark) finds this interesting balance between having a wall to protect herself from a town that doesn’t understand her. To this subtle determination for reconciliation.
It’s these traits the actresses build on that creates a heartwarming story. The messages are strong as you would expect from a spiritual journey. But it’s so much more than looking to be healed. It ends up being a lesson within oneself to find acceptance with yourself and others.
The Miracle Club is one of those classic British films. Full of that cheeky humour and quick wit. But it manages to tap into something sad only to come out the other end stronger than before. A cute movie that will leave you smiling long after you’ve watched it.
