‘Audrey’s Children‘ is a beautiful biopic about Dr. Audrey Evans leaving you with an empty box of tissues on Friday, March 28, 2025.
In the biopic ‘Audrey’s Children‘, director Ami Canaan Mann and writer/producer Julia Fisher Farbman craft a moving and deeply human portrait of Dr. Audrey Evans, a groundbreaking physician whose unwavering determination changed the world of pediatric cancer treatment. Natalie Dormer’s performance as Dr. Evans is nothing short of transformative, as she takes on a role far removed from her previous portrayals of more glamorous vixens. Dormer embodies Dr. Evans’ balance of fierce intellect, compassion, and playful warmth, creating a hero who resonates on both an emotional and intellectual level. Her portrayal brings heart, humor, and an infectious warmth to the film, allowing audiences to feel the weight of the topic while still finding solace in the human connections she builds with the families she helps.
Dr. Dan D’Angio (Jimmi Simpson) and Dr. Audrey Evans (Natalie Dormer) discuss their hypothesis at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in, ‘Audrey’s Children‘ in theaters March 28, 2025.
‘Audrey’s Children‘ does an excellent job of showcasing the challenges Dr. Evans faced, from sexism in the medical field to the resistance she met when trying to introduce new, life-saving treatment methods. Her perseverance led her to co-found the Ronald McDonald House Charities, inspiring other organizations like Shriners Hospital and St. Jude, forever changing the lives of countless families. The narrative, penned by Farbman, is informed by her close personal friendship with Dr. Evans, which gives it a deeply authentic and intimate glimpse in the life of the good doctor. Farbman’s script expertly weaves the complexities of the medical world, social issues, and the emotional journey of the families, ensuring that the film isn’t just a medical drama, but a story of hope and revolution in the face of overwhelming odds.
Supporting performances from Jimmi Simpson as Dr. Dan D’Angio (the future hiusband of Dr. Evans), Clancy Brown as Dr. C. Everett Koop, and Brandon Micheal Hall as Dr. Brian Faust bring depth to the ensemble. Brown, as the compassionate, tough as nails, yet influential Dr. Koop, commands every scene he’s in, proving that even in a supporting role, his presence is magnetic. Brown could have quoted the American Medical Journal in every scene and I would have wanted more. Simpson and Hall provide vital support to Dr. Evans, creating an ensemble dynamic that reflects the teamwork that was key to the success of her groundbreaking work.
Mann’s direction of ‘Audrey’s Children‘ captures the 1960s era beautifully, evoking a sense of time and place without ever overshadowing the core emotional journey. The film never forces the weight of its story onto the audience but rather allows the emotions to build naturally. It is a testament to the careful craftsmanship behind the film that it never feels overly sentimental, yet still manages to evoke deep feelings of admiration and inspiration.
‘Audrey’s Children‘ comes to theaters on Friday, March 28, 2025. Bring your box of tissues.
Summary
Audrey’s Children‘ is an empowering and heartwarming true story of a woman whose contributions to both medicine and society remain monumental. It’s an uplifting reminder that one person, driven by passion and compassion, can indeed change the world.
Nice, informative review!