Imagine Kathy Bates and Maggie Smith acting together in a feel-good movie set in beautiful Ireland. The lovely and redemptive The Miracle Club delivers this—along with Laura Linney and actor Stephen Rea.
Elderly Maureen has died, so old friends Eileen Dunn (Bates) and Lily Fox (Smith) gather around her casket. They’re struck with consternation as Maureen’s daughter, Chrissie (Linney) walks in the door. Chrissie had left Ireland—and all of them—40 years ago and hadn’t been back.
And now it’s time for relational repairs. But repairs don’t come easily. Years ago, Fox’s son died, and we viewers sense there’s something to this event. There is.
Another thread is the women’s desire to step into the healing waters at Lourdes. For younger friend Dolly (Agnes O’Casey), this trip is for her darling red-headed son who is mute. For Eileen, it’s about a possible cancerous lump.
Will physical healing come? Might relational healing come too?
What I loved about this 90-minute movie—besides the fine acting and setting—was the utter truthfulness the women arrived at—especially Lily. For a mother to say what she did? I found it powerful and fresh. This, by the way, was Smith’s last role before her death in September 2024.
Irish director Thaddeus O’Sullivan is known for streaming crime dramas Shetland and Vera.
Some strong language is used, giving it a PG-13 rating. However, themes of faith and reconciliation abound in this feel-good movie. I heartily recommend it. (Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime)
About the Author
Cynthia Beach authored the #ChurchToo novel The Surface of Water and the writing book, Creative Juices. She co-directs Scriptoria Workshop with Newbery-winner Gary Schmidt.