Luke McWilliams gives his review of the 2023 film, The Miracle Club, starring Kathy Bates and Maggie Smith.

In the 1960s, Dublin, Ireland, a community comes together to compete in a talent show that had been organised by the recently deceased Maureen. Maureen’s close friends Eileen (Kathy Bates), Lily (Maggie Smith) and Dolly (Agnes O’Casey) win the pilgrimage to the sacred town of Lourdes, France, for the chance to receive their own miracles. The group are stunned, however, when Maureen’s estranged daughter Chrissie (Laura Linney) joins their trip.

The film is surprisingly deceptive in its approach. Starting with beautiful coastal views of the small, quaint, working-class town of Ballyfermot, one might be forgiven to think what is to follow is a light, quirky and pleasant buddy road-trip comedy of old friends finding a new lease on life. With their own tragic losses and personal medical issues, a trip to receive a possible miracle is a great excuse just to have time away from the responsibility of their daily lives anchored to their families and, particularly, their husbands. The arrival of Chrissie, however, hints to a legacy of unresolved trauma which simmers underneath the fracturing stiff-upper lips of our leads who serve as the last bastion of an agreed upon truth. Catholic guilt, tall-poppy syndrome, spiteful gossip and judgemental mindsets serve as barriers to that which our women ultimately seek. Amongst the simmering tension and things best left unsaid, perhaps miracles of recovery can be found through a little communication, understanding and the immeasurable power of forgiveness.

Verdict: An affecting sister-piece to The Banshees of Inisherin. 3.5 stars.

Luke McWilliams, themovieclub.net. Viewed at Dendy Cinemas.