Linney: The narrative and what was presented in the text was quite lush and, frankly, in numerous respects, very distressing. It was fascinating to explore the impact on an individual who has experienced hurt early on in life by those they cared for. As the characters age and their paths cross once more in varied situations, during a different time, and with distinct cultural contexts, they uncover the connections that unite them, regardless of their desires.

The capacity to navigate through profound sorrow, genuine deep sorrow, and emerge on the other side … well … I wish that it occurred more frequently than it does. I am convinced that it is possible. I have witnessed it in my own experiences. I have observed it happen with others, yet it is not simple. However, when your heart remains open, when you permit others to evolve, when you can release the past and embrace a new chapter in your life, you start to perceive things and individuals in a different light. As an actress, it is a remarkable opportunity to portray such a poignant and sensitive role.

Discovering Lourdes

Our Sunday Visitor: What level of knowledge did you possess regarding Lourdes prior to the narrative?

Linney: Wow … nothing. I’m not Catholic, so I was unaware of Lourdes. I knew a bit about Bernadette, but had no knowledge of Lourdes itself. I had never heard of it; I didn’t even know it was there. I wish we had visited there (we recorded everything in Dublin).

However, discovering Lourdes was captivating: The reality that there exists such fervor there; that Lourdes means so much to so many various individuals in an array of diverse manners; and the reality that it is culturally an immensely influential location. Then witnessing how commercialism can subtly infiltrate the scene. How do you manage that? How do you come to terms with it? Because if I were present, I’d purchase a souvenir too, you know? I would desire a glow-in-the-dark Virgin Mary!

Our Sunday Visitor: One aspect that renders “The Miracle Club” so captivating is its ability to encapsulate the essence of visiting Lourdes: each individual who attends carries with them something that needs to be healed. Could you provide additional details about how the movie depicts this type of interaction?

Linney: You must somewhat embrace your pain and recognize it before releasing it, and that’s a truly excruciating experience. One lesson I’ve repeatedly absorbed — through my work as an actress — is the art of enduring discomfort. Additionally, I’ve come to understand that trusting this discomfort can guide me toward a more positive destination. It’s not about yielding to it or becoming overwhelmed by it, but rather finding stillness within it and allowing everything to align itself.

In this narrative, four women have been enduring discomfort for quite an extended period. However, there are also the beautiful, uplifting instances where humor arises from these awkward, painful scenarios. I consistently believe that comedy and laughter serve as essential survival tools that we possess, allowing us to express a fragment of truth. I perceive that comedy pokes gently at truth, so profoundly that we, through joy and relief, find pleasure in observing something genuine. The convergence of those two realms feels incredibly human to me.

Spirituality and the creative arts

Our Sunday Visitor: Delving a bit further into that, were there particular instances that you regarded as standout moments of the film? Any scenes that stood out as favorites for you?

Linney: You know, I truly enjoyed collaborating with everyone on that film. I mean, from Maggie Smith to Kathy Bates and Marco Halloran (who portrayed the priest and has turned into a close friend… he’s just wonderful) and Aggie O’Casey, who is an exceptional young actress… I suppose that’s the nature of the arts, since the arts originated from religion, there exists a compassionate connection there.

There exists a connection between spirituality and the arts, which I have always strongly felt. And you see, even though I was not brought up in a church (I grew up in theater), I believe there are quite analogous elements within those communities.

Our Sunday Visitor: Listening to you discuss the communal element of the film strikes a chord, as, naturally, when you’re partaking in a pilgrimage, you are accompanied by a group for a brief duration. Yet, it feels deeply personal, leading to a strong bond, fostering a sense of camaraderie that differs from other types of connections. What are your thoughts on the central theme of the film, which is a pilgrimage?

Linney: I like to refer to that as the unseen thread. The unseen thread links you to a community of individuals with whom you share an experience. And it exists. And it remains eternally. You are linked to one another. And occasionally, you can pull on the thread, and you will realize someone will respond.

There’s an essence to traveling that involves departing from who you are, what characterizes you, and the familiar surroundings that you find most reassuring, and immersing yourself in a new setting. What you discover about yourself that you weren’t even aware of. I believe that’s akin to a pilgrimage in certain respects, isn’t it? To venture forth and uncover aspects of yourself that you never realized were present?

Kin, pardon and development

Our Sunday Visitor: Aside from pilgrimage, what was one of the significant themes of the movie? What does “The Miracle Club” truly represent?

Linney: Oh, I’m quite poor at themes. However, it’s really intriguing. Numerous individuals inquire, “What’s the theme here?” or “What’s this concerning?” and “What’s that all about?” Yet, as an actor, it’s quite challenging to detach yourself and view the larger picture when you’re deeply focused on just your part.

However, I can definitely assert that it revolves around family, forgiveness, and personal development. I believe the women portrayed in the movie come to realize how profoundly they genuinely care for one another. When individuals harbor resentment towards each other, it often signifies that there is an underlying, urgent desire for connection. There’s a saying I’m familiar with that if you remain angry for over 10 minutes, it’s not truly about the matter you believe you’re upset about; it pertains to something deeper. Unraveling what that deeper issue is amidst betrayal, trauma, and feelings of dislocation can, regrettably, impact the course of your life in a very profound manner.

In certain respects, it revolves around liberation. Each of them is freed from their own perceptions of who they believed they were, and what they believed they could achieve. Taking accountability for actions you might not be entirely proud of; that is incredibly freeing. However, the first step is acknowledgment; initially, you need to understand what it entails. This recognition can, at times, require a considerable amount of time. We all carry some form of pain. Yet, I believe it’s essential to confront that haunting.

Moreover, there is something incredibly delightful about water, the representation of water… the act of being purified and refreshed. I truly cherish all that symbolism.