Audrey’s Children Movie Review (2025)
A lovely movie about the woman who progressed the treatment of childhood cancer and cofounded Ronald McDonald House Charities, Audrey’s Children is a bittersweet ride.
I love a real historical medical story on film. Just think, without Awakenings we likely would never have known about the rare sleeping sickness that some people found themselves in (with temporary cure) and without Patch Adams, we may never have learned about a man who hoped to reframe the medical industry around compassion and care. Obviously none of these movies can be wholly biographical, but the message they share to us is one of history and relevance.
Audrey’s Children is about Dr. Audrey Evans, a pediatric oncologist at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in the late 1960s. With a specific idea of how to treat children in a more effective way, Audrey and two male coworkers study the histories of various cases to create a focus for what might work best and for whom. She also becomes aware that the cost of living for families with children staying at CHOP becomes its own separate burden.
This is a lovely film with a gentle touch. The subject matter can be very difficult and it is not always happy, but the tone maintains a mostly positive vibe throughout the story.
Audrey (played by a confident Natalie Dormer) is a woman in a man’s world. She is not respected, misogyny is real within the hospital ranks, and she has to fight for every win she achieves. Many of these accomplishments are made due to her wiliness, but they are made all the same.
The clothing in this movie is fabulous. Sets, lighting, and clothing run through the rainbow of colors, but there is a consistent focus on blue and orange that is incredibly appealing. (You’ll notice that many movie posters highlight these two colors for this same reason, including this one.) There are also some fun choices in cinematography, with balanced pictures and engaging imagery that draws you in.
In addition to all of this, there are two things that make this movie a little more special. First, it is all based on a true story. Dr. Audrey Evans was a real doctor who only passed in 2022. Be absolutely sure to watch the beginning credits, as you get to learn more about what happened to her, look through beautiful photos, and watch a video of her speaking about this film (likely taken shortly before she died).
Second, the lengths of her accomplishments span decades and will continue to have influence on how research is conducted. The film points out that when Audrey began her research, only 10% of children lived through childhood cancer. Now 90% survive. Plus, she is a cofounder of the Ronald McDonald House Charities, which helps families support themselves and live somewhere near the hospital while their sick children are being treated.
Audrey’s Children is a sweet film that focuses on a woman that changed the course of history. Full of love for plants, animals, and children, she is an example of someone that we want caring for all of our children. We were lucky to have her.
Runtime: 116 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: PG
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes
Did I Cry? Yes, I got choked up
My Rating: 3.75/5 Stars
Available: Free on Peacock, to rent on Prime Video, or may be available for free on other streaming platforms
