Ballygar, Ireland, 1968: a hilariously hard-knocks community in outer Dublin that marches to its own beat and yet also deeply soulful; rooted in traditions of loyalty, faith and togetherness.
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It's a thriving community in a constant uphill battle to live as fully as possible, on very little. And the opportunity to rise above one's daily struggles is frankly a pipe dream, especially for women.
There's just one tantalising dream for the women of Ballyfermot to taste freedom: to win a pilgrimage to the sacred French town of Lourdes at the base of the French Pyrenees, and a place of miracles - a magnet for tourists from across the globe.
And with a little benevolent interference from their community and a sparkly-eyed priest, friends Lily, Eileen and Dolly get their ticket of a lifetime after the riotous church talent competition.
Having never even left Dublin, the journey provides our heroines the chance to let their hair down, celebrate life and delight in some sweet independence. But it's also a chance to reflect on their own lives, with each of the women in search of their own personal miracles.
But when they are joined by Chrissie, recently returned from a decades-long exile in the USA, deep wounds from the past are re-opened and bitter truths exposed.
As they confront one another and embrace their past, the women realise the miracle they have all been looking for is right in front of them: in the strength of their friendships and unshakeable togetherness.
The Miracle Club, starring Maggie Smith, Kathy Bates and Laura Linney, is in cinemas from August 3.
