The idea that time heals old wounds is one people often bring up to provide comfort to their loved ones. The reality for some of us is that time is a luxury afforded to be able to deal with the hurt that follows. In Thaddeus O'Sullivan’s heartwarming and healing feature, The Miracle Club, a group of friends come to the ultimate realization that it takes more than time to repair old wounds. Jimmy Smallhorne, Timothy Prager, and Joshua D. Maurer pen this thoughtful script starring Maggie Smith, Kathy Bates, Agnes O’Casey, and Laura Linney. The themes in The Miracle Club may be as old as time, but it beautifully celebrates the idea that friendship and compassion can be healing.
The story follows a group of close friends, Lily (Maggie Smith), Eileen (Kathy Bates), and Dolly (Agnes O'Casey) in the hard-knocks community of Ballygar in Dublin, Ireland. In desperate need of miracles, the group puts on a show-stopping performance for their small town to win a pilgrimage to the sacred Lourdes, France. With nothing standing in their way, they prepare to venture off to the miraculous healing springs. Just before they set off on their adventure, Chrissie (Laura Linney), an old friend of the group, arrives for her mother’s funeral. Her presence reignites old wounds and heartbreaks, forcing everyone to relive their past to bring about the ultimate miracle.
For a script as simple as the one for The Miracle Club, it elegantly captures such complex emotions related to grief, forgiveness, and moving on from the past. When Chrissie shows up unexpectedly to attend her mother’s funeral, it opens up the doors of trauma and past mistakes. Tension fills the air and friction ensues, but watching these ladies reconnect while recognizing the parts they played in their traumatic experiences is such a beautiful sight to see. The screenwriters understand fully that we become who we are based on our experiences. But having people there along the way to offer compassion is what connects us as humans.
In the execution of such common themes, O’Sullivan showcases a realistic side of chasing after miracles. Our strong desires and desperate needs often lead us down the path of religion. And with the characters at the end of their options, the healing springs appear to be their last opportunity. Through his direction, O’Sullivan never presents their stories with judgment. Rather, his lens is through a compassionate one, in which every reason is rational, and every tear is accepted. But more importantly, they learn through each other by listening — a concept and practice the world desperately needs more of.
It's already easy to love everything that The Miracle Club has to offer, but thanks to this exceptional cast, that’s just one more reason to rush to the theater to see this heartwarming dramedy. Maggie Smith is as sophisticated as ever, bringing wisdom and sincerity to her role. Kathy Bates also stands out as she weaves through her character’s anger to come to an understanding. On the receiving end of her anger is Laura Linney's Chrissie. Linney is a powerhouse performer showing strength through her tears, elevating the importance of vulnerability. Finally, Agnes O’Casey is sensational as the caring Dolly and emphasizes the inherent strength and power of a mother’s love. This dream cast is perfect, and is just one of the reasons (on a long list) to see this movie in theaters.
An endearingly sweet and touching showcase of love, friendship, and compassion, The Miracle Club is sincere in the way it captures overcoming a traumatic past. The team behind this heartwarming feature understands what it takes to heal old wounds by offering dynamic perspectives from four ladies at different times in their lives. The strength we get from our friends and family can help us repair what was once broken or loss. And thanks to exceptional performances from the star-studded cast, expect to come out of this film with a tear in your eye and a full heart to go with it.
The Miracle Club premiered at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival. The film, in theaters July 14, is 91 minutes long and rated PG-13 for some language and thematic elements.