The Miracle Club (2023)

Set in 1967 Dublin, a Boston woman (Laura Linney) returns to Ireland after 40 years to attend her estranged mother's funeral. She is met with hostility from her cousin (Kathy Bates) and the mother (Maggie Smith) of her deceased boyfriend, who got her pregnant which resulted in her being banished to America. Directed by Thaddeus O'Sullivan (STELLA DAYS). This heavy drama never rises above average but it's anchored by three strong performances by its leading ladies who make it quite watchable. This was Maggie Smith's last film. She passed away this past week and it's a pity she didn't have a stronger swan song but there's nothing to be ashamed of here. She gives a very touching performance. She doesn't play her usual persona of the witty and biting aristocratic dowager whose withering stare can cut one to ribbons. She's a working class Irish wife, mother and grandmother confronted with her own mortality. She even gets to do back up vocals on a cover of The Chiffons' He's So Fine! Linney and Bates are quite strong, too. It's refreshing to see a movie about elderly women where they're not portrayed as addled seniors or sex happy cougars! A bit of mawkishness sneaks in here and there but overall, it's an affecting portrait of redemption and forgiveness. With Stephen Rea, Agnes O'Casey and Mark O'Halloran.