Audrey's Children

I felt that the film was very well balanced. It showed the complexity's of being a woman in a male dominated environment. Her compassion for the children and their parents was self evident. I also liked how easily she could subvert or coerce people to her side. The opening scene of the movie tell you everything you really need to know about her personality. Her tenacity is a blessing and a curse. At times, she doesn't know when to take her foot off the gas pedal and apply the brakes. My only complaint is that I would love to have seen a little bit more of her personal life during this Period. As a Philadelphian I'm a Lil was ashamed that I didn't know anythingabout her.

I just listened to an interview that the writer of the film, Julia Fisher Farbman, gave and during the interview, she shared "if nothing else, I hope this story gives people hope". When I left the movie, I felt hopeful that in a scary world and in a world where pediatric cancer still exists and there is no cure YET, we can hold onto hope. We can can maintain the power of the word YET because we leave the film having hope. This movie shows to me how one person CAN make a difference in the world. I thought the entire cast and crew did a wonderful job. We need more movies like where the storytelling makes others want to do more to impact the world.

Greetings again from the darkness. Firefighters, Police Officers, and Armed Forces soldiers and veterans are the ones we usually (and rightfully) describe as heroes; yet heroism can also be found in the actions of everyday people. Director Ami Canaan Mann and screenwriter Julia Fisher Farbman introduce us to one such hero in this biopic on Dr. Audrey Evans.

Natalie Dormer ("Game of Thrones") stars as Dr. Evans (the titular Audrey), a remarkable woman behind advancements in pediatric oncology, and also the founder of the first Ronald McDonald House. The film opens in 1969 as Dr. Evans begins her tenure at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Having trained under Dr. Sidney Farber, she immediately ruffles feathers by pushing the envelope on funding and research for her department. Chief Surgeon, Dr C Everett Koop (Clancy Brown, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, 1994) recruited her and almost immediately had to deal with her unorthodox approach ... and the complaints from Dr. Jeremy Lewis (Ben Chase, "Law and Order: Organized Crime"). Dr. Lewis is quite put out with this assertive woman going outside the norm to get her way.

It's inspiring to watch the determination with which Dr. Evans takes on all obstacles. Radiation expert, and steadfast rule follower, Dr. Dan Dangio (Jimmi Simpson, "Westworld") sees the potential in what Dr. Evans is pursuing and joins in the mission, as does Dr. Brian Faust (Brandon Michael Hall, "God Friended Me"). Their research methods are exhausting to watch - this was prior to computers, so not only did they have to comb through mounds of paper files, compiling results and drawing conclusions was even more excruciating.

The painstaking work led to the Evans Staging System for categorizing cancer in patients, and it also led to dramatic improvements in survival rates for kids with cancer. "Kids with cancer" ... can there be a more heartbreaking and depressing topic? Trust me, it's painful to see even in a movie. Bits of the movie seem somewhat contrived, especially her brief interactions with kids playing on the sidewalk, as well as with the Vietnam protestors. Additionally, her wardrobe seems incredible for a woman living in an apartment that likely had a 5-foot-wide closet at best. Still, Natalie Dormer delivers a nice performance as this remarkable woman.

It's 1974 when the Philadelphia Eagles owners are persuaded (by Dr Evans) to sponsor the Ronald McDonald House - a charity that, now 50 years later, has proved vital to so many children and families. Of course, the Dr. C. Everett Koop in this story went on to be serve as U. S. Surgeon General in the 1980s, and the full story of Dr. Evans and Dr. Dangio is also quite remarkable. Director Mann runs an interview with an elderly Dr. Evans over the closing credits, and aptly finishes things with Carole King singing "You've Got a Friend". It's always inspirational to learn the full story of real-life heroes, and the life of Dr. Audrey Evans is one we should continue to relish.

Opens in theaters on March 28, 2025.

The movie was amazing and inspiring! It has the right amount of comedy sprinkled in to offset the extremely heavy and emotional subject matter. Lots of great acting and as expected led incredibly by Natalie Dormer. Highly recommend experiencing the lovely storytelling and the chance to learn about a true pioneer such as Audrey.

The movie was amazing and inspiring! It has the right amount of comedy sprinkled in to offset the extremely heavy and emotional subject matter. Lots of great acting and as expected led incredibly by Natalie Dormer. Highly recommend experiencing the lovely storytelling and the chance to learn about a true pioneer such as Audrey.

This movie is worth the watch!

The life Dr. Audrey Evans is a story that needs to be told! What an amazing and inspirational woman - a true ground breaker for female doctors and well as women in science.

It's a powerful testimony to how far childhood cancer research & treatment has come. It also highlights the struggles families experience when they have a child with cancer.

It highlights the amazing work of the children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the Ronald McDonald House charities (RMHC.)

Dr. Audrey Evans was a true pioneer, who wasnt afraid to speak her mind and do what was right for her patients.