How it’s New York: Tribeca Film Festival is based in NYC
How it’s Irish: The Miracle Club is an Irish film
There was something fitting about the heavens opening after the premiere of the only acknowledged Irish film at Tribeca 2023. Such is the magic of The Miracle Club.
At the post-screening talkback, Director Thaddeus O’Sullivan spoke of the groundswell of support that eventually brought to life a comedic story that the original writer, Jimmy Smallhorne, had wanted to tell since he was twelve, some twenty years ago.
It was certainly worth the wait to have this heartfelt tale of doughty Irish women and doubtful and archaic prejudices played out by the legendary Academy Award-winners Maggie Smith and Kathy Bates, with an excellent turn from the multi-award winning (and Oscar-nominated) Laura Linney.
Even though the stars might not have been Irish thoroughbreds themselves they were ably supported by a stellar Irish ensemble cast, including veteran actor Stephen Rea and newcomer Agnes O’Casey (Great-grand daughter of playwright Sean O’Casey no less).
And of course there is the additional charming character of Dublin, beguilingly set in 1967 by production designer John Hand, beautifully captured by cinematographer John Conroy and populated by people costumed with style and verve by Judith Williams.
Linney was the only cast-member who made the Red Carpet at the SVA Theater in Chelsea, probably because she only had a few blocks to travel from her turn at her latest Broadway show – ‘Summer 1976’ – at Manhattan Theatre Club, on its Monday night off.
Star Qualities
O’Sullivan certainly seemed grateful for Linney’s genteel and grounded presence throughout the process, describing her as “a wonderful person, the easiest person to deal with.” He confessed to more trepidation with his Oscar-winning dames.
As they set to work on the film, Dame Maggie Smith broke the ice with the reverential director by inviting him to “just tell me what to do” and whilst O’Sullivan was awed by Ms Bates’ legacy, he explained, “Kathy is forensic in her approach, [it] takes a certain amount of dealing with.”
Linney shared insight into her own process, detailing how she generally offers three choices at watershed moments, such as the bathing scene, where she gave alternatives that were emotional, spiritual and neutral (the neutral version made the final cut).
The director revealed that most things captured in their intensive 25-day shoot did make it into the film. These included those scenes at the Grotto in Lourdes, which – perhaps miraculously – were actually filmed in a carefully crafted transformation of a corner of Dublin in Summer 2022.
When asked if she believed in miracles, Linney quipped, “we’re all here aren’t we?” And really, that is the essence of what “The Miracle Club” is: the fact that we are able to find love, laughter and friendship even in testing times. If the world ever needed a feelgood movie, it is now and “The Miracle Club” is sure to make you laugh, cry and be inspired.
The Miracle Club is on general release by Sony Pictures Classics on July 14th.
In the meantime, watch the official trailer here: https://youtu.be/Gp3ZFdklPCk
