Director: Stephen Frears Writer: Steve Coogan, Jeff Pope, Martin Sixsmith Starring: Judi Dench, Steve Coogan Released: December 26, 2013 Rating: Runtime: 98 minutes Websites: Story: Based on the 2009 investigative book by BBC correspondent Martin Sixsmith, The Lost Child of Philomena Lee, Philomena focuses on the efforts of Philomena Lee (Judi Dench), mother to a boy conceived out of wedlock - something her Irish-Catholic community didn't have the highest opinion of - and given away for adoption in the United States. In following church doctrine, she was forced to sign a contract that wouldn't allow for any sort of inquiry into the son's whereabouts. After starting a family years later in England and, for the most p art, moving on with her life, Lee meets Sixsmith (Steve Coogan), a BBC reporter with whom she decides to discover her long-lost son. Cast: Judi Dench Philomena Steve Coogan Martin Sixsmith Sophie Kennedy Clark Young Philomena Mare Winningham Mary Barbara Jefford Sister Hildegarde Ruth McCabe Mother Barbara Peter Hermann Pete Olsson Sean Mahon Michael Anna Maxwell Martin Jane Michelle Fairley Sally Mitchell Wunmi Mosaku Young Nun Amy McAllister Sister Anunciata Charlie Murphy Kathleen Cathy Belton Sister Claire Kate Fleetwood Young Sister Hildegarde