Prepare to be amazed by the star-studded cast of Maggie Smith, Kathy Bates, and Laura Linney in the captivating film, The Miracle Club. This summer, get ready to celebrate as these talented actors bring their A-game to roles that truly showcase their immense talents. The brainchild of co-writer Jimmy Smallhorne, this movie is based on his memories of growing up in a small Irish town. However, the focus is squarely on the remarkable women in his family.
Despite facing numerous obstacles, including Covid-related delays, this heartwarming story managed to make its way to the big screen. Thanks to the involvement of director Thaddeus O’Sullivan and writers Joshua Maurer and Timothy Prager, the film was able to fully develop its potential. And with the addition of the incredible Kathy Bates, the project gained even more momentum. Now, nestled between blockbuster releases like Indiana Jones, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, and the upcoming Barbie and Oppenheimer, The Miracle Club promises to be a delightful treat for older adult audiences who have been longing for the magic of the cinema.
In terms of the story, The Miracle Club transports us to the year 1967 in the charming Irish community of Ballygar. Here, we meet a group of residents who share a simple dream: winning a talent competition at their local church. The grand prize? A trip to Lourdes, the renowned French town where miracles are said to happen. Each of the women in the film carries a hidden darkness, hoping that a miracle will bring them solace.
Lily, played by the incomparable Maggie Smith, leads a quiet life with her husband but is burdened by guilt that occasionally resurfaces. Eileen, portrayed by the vibrant Kathy Bates, faces the biggest challenge of her life with a cancer diagnosis. And then there’s Dolly, a young mother played by newcomer Agnes O’Casey, who, along with her husband, must navigate the complexities of raising their mute 6-year-old child. Despite their second-place finish in the talent competition, fate intervenes when the winner generously offers them the coveted trip to Lourdes.
However, complications arise with the arrival of Chrissie, portrayed by the talented Laura Linney. Chrissie left Ballygar four decades ago and returns for her mother’s funeral, only to find herself alone in attendance. Lily and Eileen, once close friends with Chrissie’s mother, have their own reasons for staying away. As the story unfolds, secrets are revealed, and the characters’ pasts come into focus. Together, the four women embark on a journey to Lourdes in search of renewal, guided by the wise words of Father Demott, played by Mark O’Halloran.
The Miracle Club is a beautiful film that reminds us that human connection is perhaps the greatest miracle of all. Each of these remarkable women discovers this truth in their own way. As expected, the performances by Smith, Bates, and Linney are nothing short of extraordinary. Agnes O’Casey shines in her film debut, and the male cast members, though in supporting roles, make a welcome impact. The picturesque locations serve as a summer vacation for the eyes, making this film a true gem for older audiences who often feel forgotten by Hollywood.
So mark your calendars for July 14, 2023, when The Miracle Club will be released by Sony Pictures Classics. Directed by Thaddeus O’Sullivan and written by Joshua Maurer, Timothy Prager, and Jimmy Smallhorne, this film promises to captivate audiences with its heartwarming story and exceptional cast. With a PG-13 rating and a running time of 1 hour and 31 minutes, this is a cinematic experience you won’t want to miss.
