Audrey's Children

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.

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.

Film brilliantly depicted the practice, determination, and creative genius of Dr Audrey - using deliberate moments to make the point that truly one person can create a ripple effect for the world.

Using pediatric neuroblastoma as the basis of her oncology practice and research, this film tells the story of the Dr Audrey's perseverance to research, and treat kids in the 1970s. Singularly, she took a stand to not accept NO as an answer. She creatively found ways to make the impossible (for the times) possible. In so doing, we learn about treating pediatric cancer but more importantly we see the impact that one person can make and the positive ripple effects in medical science and treatments resulting from her actions.

Extremely well done, time period appropriate and just enough to send me to learn more.

The storyline is powerful. This biopic picks a monumental part of Audrey Evan's life and shows how one person CAN make a difference in the trajectory of pediatric cancer for decades to come. The writer did an incredible job sharing Audrey's story. It left me inspired and wanting to do more, give more and stand up for what I am passionate about. The entire cast and crew did an incredible job. Natalie Dormer's portrayal of Audrey is outstanding. I left the movie wanting to do a deep dive into this time period and Audrey. I was equally impressed how they could turn such a sad topic, pediatric cancer, into something so inspirational and promising. It is also great to see how they closed down the city of Philadelphia, time traveled back to the 1960s with the direction, color, set & costume design, and made the viewers visualize that time period. Definitely recommend this!

Julia Fisher Farbman's story of Dr. Audrey was fantastic and Natalie Dormer's portrayal was wonderful and heartwarming; truly bringing Dr. Audrey's desire to make a difference to life on screen.

Though just the beginning of Dr. Audrey's inspiring story, it will (or should) make the viewer want to learn more about her journey to save "her" children and all the strides she made in trying to do so.

This is a story that should be taught in schools. A lesson in what perseverance, dedication, hard work and a true love of subject can drive a person to do.

Always happy to see Philadelphia portrayed in a positive light too!