So just how hot a ticket is Stephen Frears‘ “Philomena“? Well, after earning rave reviews out the Venice Film Festival (including a strong one from us), word was that The Weinstein Company were ready to sneak the film into Telluride this past weekend. But apparently TIFF organizers weren’t pleased at the prospect of another hot premiere being yanked out from under them (following the surprise additions of “12 Years A Slave” and “Prisoners” to Telluride), so Harvey and co. switched gears and showing “Salinger” instead. But no matter where this lands first, it’s one that’s going to be talked about all season long.
The Weinstein Company has gone ahead and dated the movie for a Christmas Day release, banking on this crowd-pleaser being both a hot ticket at the box office and with awards season voters. Starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan (who also co-wrote the screenplay), and directed by Stephen Frears, the film tells the true story of a disgraced journalist whose latest assignment is helping an elderly woman find the long lost son she was forced to give up decades ago while living in a convent.
We called it “a lovely and deceptively complex” film, but in the clip below, you can check out one of the lighter moments that leaven the heavier stuff. Opening in NY and LA first on Christmas Day, the movie will go wide on January 10th.
