Laura Linney and Mark O'Halloran star in a scene from the movie “The Miracle Club." The OSV News classification is A-III -- adults. (OSV News photo/Jonathan Hession, Sony Classics)

By OSV News

A pilgrimage to Lourdes provides the framework for this tender tale about long-festering emotional wounds and the possibilities of reconciliation and renewed relationships.

In a hardscrabble neighborhood of 1967 Dublin, two best friends (Maggie Smith and Kathy Bates) excitedly prepare to journey to the sacred destination in the company of a third pal (Agnes O’Casey), who hopes the trip will cure the mysterious muteness of her young son (Eric D. Smith). But the dynamics of their expedition are suddenly transformed by the unexpected, and initially unwelcome, return of a former member of the main duo’s social circle (Laura Linney) after an absence of 40 years and the exile’s decision to join the tour.

By turns humorous and touching, director Thaddeus O’Sullivan’s drama, which also features Stephen Rea as the wise and sympathetic, if not very forceful, local priest, is a delicate exploration of tragedy and spiritual healing, though some viewers may not care for the briefly expressed skepticism of some of the characters, while others may feel that the film takes too easy a shortcut to forgiveness.

Mature themes, including abortion, one direct and several oblique profanities, a rough term, occasional crude and crass language. The OSV News classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 – parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Click here for full reviews of this and other current movies by OSV News.