User reviews

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 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.

Cinematically honoring an individual for determined, heroic accomplishments is certainly an inspiring and noble reason for making a movie. But, to do justice to the story, the elements need to be engaging, entertaining and compellingly told, which is where this fact-based offering from director Ami Canaan Mann comes up short. The film presents the little-known, fact-based story of Dr. Audrey Evans (Natalie Dormer), a transplanted English pediatric oncologist who took over this practice area at the prestigious Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in 1969. At the time, she proposed the implementation of new treatment strategies for youngsters afflicted by childhood cancer, a radical departure from the standard care in use at the time, which was quite ineffectual as evidenced by its 10% survival rate. She also spearheaded efforts to caring for the considerable financial and daily living needs of the families of these young patients, many of whom were saddled with significant logistical burdens on top of attending to the welfare of their children. Evans often faced an uphill battle from skeptics and naysayers in her quest to put these initiatives into practice, given the departures they represented from established procedures. However, her relentlessly aggressive and persuasive capacity for getting the attention of benefactors and peers, like Drs. Dan D'Angio (Jimmi Simpson), C. Everett Koop (Clancy Brown) and Brian Faust (Brandon Michael Hall), as well as her boundlessly kind compassion for those under her care, ultimately transformed the hospital's cancer treatment program, a model since adopted elsewhere that has raised the successful cure rate to approximately 80%. In addition, her efforts to address the needs of patient families led to the establishment of the first Ronald McDonald House, a program that has subsequently spread globally. To be sure, these are indeed praiseworthy achievements. However, the picture's account of Audrey's efforts is somewhat pedestrian, shallow and meandering, following a rote narrative formula that's predictably on cue and comes across like a virtual replay of events previously depicted much more effectively in director Penny Marshall's endearing, often-underrated release "Awakenings" (1990). There's also precious little attention paid to capturing the mood of the era in this period piece biography, a quality that feels noticeably underdeveloped. To its credit, the film features a fine performance from Dormer and the ensemble of supporting players, but this is far from enough to save the picture from its innate mediocrity and keeping it from being a fitting tribute to the remarkably dedicated work of its protagonist. Dr. Evans courageously demonstrated that her children deserved better than what they were getting, but, unfortunately, the same can't be said here in the telling of Audrey's truly laudable story.

Nearly 50 years ago I was diagnosed with Wilm's Tumor at CHOP and fortunately had Dr. Audrey Evans as one of my Oncologists! Remarkably, a week ago I held hands with my 92 year old mother while watching this wonderful movie at the theater. Audrey truly is an inspiration to all to keep fighting for what we know is right! So hopeful that this will continue to shed light on the importance of continued cancer research and the amazing difference one woman can make during these truly turbulent times. Thank you to all involved for sharing her story, it truly could not have come at a more poignant time! The story, directing, casting was phenomenal! Looking forward to sharing it with my family soon!!

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.

The subject of this film, Dr. Audrey Evans, a pediatric oncologist at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), is nothing short of inspirational. It's quite realistic to think of her as Mother Teresa with an MD. Like Mother Teresa, Evans was devoutly religious and believed deeply that she was put on earth to care for children.

The story begins in 1969, when Dr. Evans has been recruited to CHOP after spending a few years at the University of Chicago. Overcoming innumerable obstacles, she and a couple of colleagues eventually developed a staging system for neuroblastoma, the most common pediatric cancer. As a result of Dr. Evans' work, treating children with neuroblastoma for the first time could be customized based on the patient's disease stage. Dr. Evans sense of humanity and her complete devotion to her patients make the title of the film entirely accurate.

"Audrey's Children" grew out of an interview in 2017 conducted by Julia Fisher Farbman (who wrote the script here) and Dr. Evans for the Amazon series "Modern Hero." Farbman was so impressed by her subject that she produced this film, raising all the funds from private sources. Because of the shoestring budget, the film had a shooting schedule of 23 days.

A key strength here is the film's accuracy and intense attention to detail. After the "Modern Hero" interview, Farbman spent many hours with Dr. Evans, who passed away in 2022 at age 97. The story is historically accurate and meticulously told. The Oncology Department at CHOP has publicly endorsed the medical accuracy of the story.

When filming, Director Ami Canaan Mann was equally attentive to detail. To ensure that the story was visually grounded in the time period, she used 35mm Ektachrome film. (HBO's "Euphoria" and the film "Poor Things" used the same cinematic technique.) As a result, the colors here are highly saturated and very high-contrast by today's standards. The production design (Amber Unkle), set design (Kimitha Cashin) and costumes (Sarah Maiorino) are equally faithful to the period (1969-1974).

What keeps the film from soaring is the script. There's no dramatic tension anywhere to be found. While there are occasional references to the misogyny Dr. Evans endured, there's nothing here that really gives the story any momentum. The film labors under the additional burden of its overarching theme: childhood cancer. Capturing vignettes of families who know their children are going to die (the mortality rate for childhood cancer in 1969 was 90%) involves some very heavy lifting. Efforts to generate a propulsive narrative are further weighed down by a script that necessarily involves a lot of medical terminology. When the central scenes involve debating which clinical features define the four stages of neuroblastoma, the creative team and the audience clearly have their work cut out for them. Before seeing this film, purchasing a copy of the latest edition of "Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary" might prove to be a good investment.

I wish I could be more supportive of this admirable attempt to lionize a modern-day saint. I also wish the creative team had channeled their energies, their work ethic and their good will into a first-rate documentary. As a drama, this film doesn't do her justice.

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.

This movie was so powerful that I saw it over the weekend and cannot stop thinking about it. I never fully understood what it was like for women in the 60s. I also never really understood what a family with a sick child goes through. I know someone who had a child with cancer. Watching this movie, i have a better understanding of the stress and pain and terror that families face. I better understand how it takes a real warrior to be a doctor or nurse in a Children's Hospitals especially those in Oncology.

This film taught you with humor and tears. It is so well done. When yoi see it, it will open a compassionate portion of your heart, keeping all sick children and their families in your heart and prayers.

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!

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.

I loved this movie so so much. There is no better actress than Natalie Dormer to portray this unique and spunky woman!!! It was funny, it was emotional, it had an intriguing romance... and above all, especially set in the 1960s, it showed me how a woman can leap over one barrier after another. It's not every day in popular media that they make a movie about cancer research and the stories of the people behind it. As a member of this community myself, I felt very seen. I saw Audrey's Children with my dad, and I loved it so much I would see it twice. So if anyone needs a movie buddy...!!!!! Hahaha.

Traveling back in time, you will meet the fantastic world of Dr. Audrey Evans, a pioneer who changed the course of pediatric oncology, bringing hope to families worldwide. Her visionary work completely altered the treatment of childhood cancer as it was known, and it helped develop an environment of caring and support for families through the Ronald McDonald House.

Audrey's Children is more than a film; it's a tribute to one incredible woman's power, empathy, and goodness. Her story will move you well after the credits have stopped rolling. You won't want to miss this beautiful tribute to the ultimate hero.

This was such an incredible movie. Dr. Evans overcame so much in her career to improve the lives of her children. Such a well done film, excellent movie from start to finish! Especially with the climate of political funding, this movie highlights the importance of critical medical research and the need for continued efforts to save the lives of children all over the world. Thank you, Dr. Evans for not giving up and for sharing your incredible mind. You truly were the greatest human and doctor! Thank you for working so hard to improve neuroblastoma treatment and outcomes. And lastly, thank you Julia Fisher Farbman for such a beautiful film!

Lovely movie about the ground breaking work in the treatment of children's glioblastoma by Dr. Audrey Evans at CHOP and her co-founding efforts of the Ronald McDonald House with Jim Murray, Sr. And the support of the PhiladelphiaEagles organization. Great acting by Natalie Dormer (Game of Thrones), Clancy Brown as Dr. C. Everet Koop, Jimmie Simpson (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) and our own, local Jim Murray, Jr. Who played his dad. Touching movie that depicts the historical milestones in Oncology for treating kids with glioblastoma and the establishment of the the first Ronald McDonald House in Philly and then round the world.

The remarkable story of Dr. Audrey Evans comes to life with a brilliant script, A-list actors, and meticulous directing. Audrey's Children beautifully captures the spirit, heart, and unstoppable force of an extraordinary woman whose story of persistence is as entertaining as it is timeless. The film is an inspiring, heartfelt tribute to a medical pioneer whose legacy is not only in the science she advanced but, also, in the hope she gave to thousands of families. Audrey's Children is both a moving portrait of a trailblazer and a reminder of what's possible when one person dares to change the world.

Audrey's Children is a moving and inspiring biographical drama that honors the life and legacy of Dr. Audrey Evans, the pioneering pediatric oncologist whose groundbreaking work transformed cancer treatment for children and led to the founding of the first Ronald McDonald House. Written and produced by Julia Fisher Farbman and directed by Ami Canaan Mann, the film offers a powerful portrayal of a woman whose compassion and determination changed countless lives.

Natalie Dormer delivers a standout performance as Dr. Evans, capturing both her fierce advocacy for young patients and her unshakable belief in treating the whole child-not just the illness. Her portrayal brings warmth, wit, and strength to the screen, grounding the film in emotional authenticity.

Farbman's script and Mann's direction work in harmony to balance the serious nature of pediatric cancer with moments of lightness and hope. The result is a story that is both emotionally resonant and accessible, reminding audiences of the human spirit's capacity for empathy and resilience.

Audrey's Children is more than a medical drama-it's a celebration of a remarkable woman who dared to challenge norms and put children and families first. It's a testament to the power of vision, courage, and compassion, and a must-watch for anyone inspired by stories of real-world impact and enduring legacy.

Dr. Audrey Evans was a dynamo at a time when female physicians struggled to be seen and heard. This true story takes place mostly in the 1970s at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Dr. Evans' research into childhood cancer has saved countless lives around the globe -both kids and adults - thanks to development of a staging system that helps individualize treatment. In addition, she founded the first Ronald McDonald house for patient families, an idea that spread nationally and internationally. The acting in the film is stellar and captures Audrey's drive and spirit that was well known in the CHOP community. Go see it and "meet" Audrey. You'll leave grateful for her and all the scientists whose research over decades have improved all our lives.

This is a story that had to be told, and shared with the world! Brilliantly written, acted, and directed, the film left everyone in the theater visibly moved. This is a story about a truly remarkable woman, one whom you soon won't forget after seeing this film! You feel the fiercely undeniable determination Audrey had for her patients, and their families through Natalie's performance. Philadelphia's supporting role in the film is evident with the beautiful backdrops of the city and the heart of its neighborhoods highlighting the time period of the film. An extremely important film, inspirational, profound, and heroic!

The story of Dr Audrey Evans young life is a wonderful story of hope, resistance, determination and love. This movie tells the story in sensitive and spellbinding way that takes the watcher into the soul of Dr Evans. It's a must see for everyone. In watching this movie one has a better understanding of what it was like for a professional woman who had drive and determination to make the world a better place in the 1970s. The movie explores the pain that families embrace when a child is sick and the difference it makes when someone understands and cares. The movie shows the tip of the iceberg that becomes the Ronald McDonald House.

The inspiring story is enough to make this movie worth a watch. The writing, casting, and cinematography put it over the top. An instant favorite!

Some of the most memorable parts of the film are the conversations between Dr. Evans and the people she interacts with. The writer captures this woman's legacy perfectly, ensuring each interaction whether it's with doctors, patients, families, neighbors, or the community is touching, witty, and all around engaging. It makes you want to be part of the mission, finding ways to use your talents for the betterment of others, no matter the circumstances.

Absolute incredible production. This story is so heartwarming!! Finally a movie hits theaters that makes you feel, inspires you, makes you want to do good for the world and never give up. The cast absolutely crushed, Natalie was fantastic. Audrey is a hero and the perfect sort of leader. She is funny, kind, smart, brave, strategic and caring. A female that I will always look up to and admire to be like. This film is a must see. This should make waves through the medical industry and re-inspire and reinvigorate doctors around the world. I hope this movie makes an International push as everyone in the world should be privy to this inspiring story. Well done to everyone that touched this project.

A wonderful tribute to an incredibly inspirational, brilliant, glass-ceiling shattering, ground-breaking, kind and wonderful human being, Doctor and woman.

Audrey Evans changed the world with her staging system for pediatric cancer and her creation of the Ronald McDonald House.

Her forward thinking vision has literally improved the lives of millions of families and children around the globe by providing a home away from home for children dealing with critical illness. The Ronald McDonald House keeps families together in times of crisis. This happened because Audrey saw the value, if not necessity, to keep families together.

A true sheroe.

I loved this movie.

A very powerful depiction of the trauma of childhood cancer. Everyone should see it and raise awareness. The movie was very well done. It captured the gut wrenching reality of children and families faced with the worst monster. It also revealed the collateral consequences of childhood cancer such financial strain. I did realize that Philadelphia Eagles played a role in the creation of the Ronald McDonald House. Proud of them. It also pulled back the curtain on the cold reality of pediatric cancer research. That is is driven by the bottom line for drug companies and research hospitals. Chilling.