The saying ‘time heals old wounds’ isn’t just something we say to loved ones to make them feel better. In so many ways it’s true, because time goes on the pain lessens and we move onto other things. But unfortunately, some of us don’t always have the time to deal with the pain.  The Miracle Club takes a close look at this idea. And it demonstrates how friends can help each other move beyond it though compassion and understanding.

The Miracle Club tells the story of a group of close friends. These friends are Lily (Maggie Smith), Eileen (Kathy Bates), and Dolly (Agnes O’Casey). The trio live in a not so nice part of Dublin, Ireland in the 1960s. And each are in need of a little freedom and escape from their everyday lives. They are also each looking for a miracle cure to problems. They’ve been secretly holding these problems close to their hearts for years. Their goal, win a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France at their local church. And they do this with a little help from the parish priest.

Unfortunately for them the timing couldn’t be worse, as they win the contest shortly after their former friend Chrissie (Laura Linney) returns to town for her mother’s funeral. It’s her first time being back since she left over forty years previously.  If they are to reconcile their differences, the friends need to delay their adventure. Otherwis, they may end up resolving and the pain and anger will remain.

Long standing grudges are themes in plenty of films, but The Miracle Club doesn’t really feel like it wants to face the topic head on. It tends to stay away from the more serious subject matter, and tries too hard to be a heart-warming experience. It makes the characters feel under developed, and the story a little lazy. The idea that time doesn’t heal old wounds and that people need to soemtimes face their pain head-on is clearly present. However, the film dances around it more than it should.

That being said, the cast does a great job with what they have, and makes the film more watchable than it has any right to be.  There are truly some heartwarming moments, and scenes that will make you laugh out loud. Like any movie with people seeking divine intervention in their lives, this movie has some religious undertones as well, but thankfully it doesn’t get too preachy or judgmental. Instead it stays on a compassionate path that leads to understanding through listening.

The Miracle Club is one of those feel good films that a lot of people will enjoy. It’s sweet, full of love and compassion, and shows us what friendship is meant to be. It will certainly bring up old memories, and make you wonder what you could have done differently in your own life and how you could have avoided mistakes. The film really could have gone a little deeper with the subject matter though, and put a little more meat on the bone, but it does what its meant to do.