Vera Drake

Fine Line Features | Release Date: October 10, 2004

7.4	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 48 Ratings

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MarkB.Nov 9, 2004

Film history is loaded with instances of foreign filmmakers who seem to know America better than most Americans do. Vera Drake, written and directed by the great Mike Leigh, isn't set in the U.S. at all; it takes place in economically Film history is loaded with instances of foreign filmmakers who seem to know America better than most Americans do. Vera Drake, written and directed by the great Mike Leigh, isn't set in the U.S. at all; it takes place in economically pummeled, postwar working-class England, and yet it could be the film that begins to unite red and blue states reeling from one of the most polarizing elections in post memory (including 2000) in honest and intelligent conversation, if not necessarily consensus. For the first time since his mammothly entertaining Gilbert and Sullivan story Topsy-Turvy, Leigh sets his film in the past (and happily avoids the near-self-parody of his most recent effort, All or Nothing); he tells the story of a sweet, almost saintly past-middle-aged charwoman (the sublime Imelda Staunton) who, unbeknownst to her loving family, performs abortions for poor young women with few or no apparent other options. Of course, in that time and place, "procedure" and "operation" are the preferred euphemisms; I was surprised and slightly amused to hear the "a-word" (or a form of it) used more frequently in the dialogue of Disney/Pixar's The Incredibles. (Completely and totally different context, of course; don't worry, parents!) Leigh's narrative seems extremely leisurely, but don't be fooled; he takes his time detailing Vera's family and their relationships to one another so that when the hammer finally drops, you feel the pain in all its reverberations. This is no Cider House Rules; Leigh absolutely refuses to be didactic or polemical in the manner of fellow Brit kitchen-sink filmmaker Ken Loach; nothing against Loach, but Leigh's generosity to nearly all his characters is far more challenging here. Vera's arrest and legal difficulties are absolutely harrowing and horrifying for Vera, but it's important to note that the police do their job with compassion and more than a little reluctance; I particularly loved a policewoman who treats Vera with exceptional kindness under the circumstances. Much of the time, those folks (on both sides of a given spectrum) who clamor for "balanced" treatment of controversial topics aren't really seeking evenhandedness; they want the scales heavily weighted in favor of their side. Vera Drake, in letting the story, characters and setting speak for themselves, will undoubtedly speak to far more social conservatives on the subject (those who see it, anyway) than a thousand Michael Moore or Robert Greenwald documentaries could ever hope to. Put it this way: I just can't picture the viewers on either side of the abortion issue, including deeply religious people who absolutely believe in their hear of hearts that abortion is utterly and totally wrong, NOT desperately hoping and praying for the unquestionably well-intentioned title character to get every mercy that the court is able to give.… Expand

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HC.Mar 13, 2007

I agree almost word for word with the reviewer "Roland D." I did think the first half was quite good so I'm giving it a 5, but really the second half just dies on-screen. The realization that Leigh isn't really taking us anywhere I agree almost word for word with the reviewer "Roland D." I did think the first half was quite good so I'm giving it a 5, but really the second half just dies on-screen. The realization that Leigh isn't really taking us anywhere is such a disappointment that it really tarnishes the acting and makes it seem sort of masturbatory --really, I bet it's an actors wet dream to be in a Mike Leigh film. But the acting should be in service of something more than just the acting itself (i.e. plot/story/anything).… Expand

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lucasfallsOct 14, 2011

A beautiful film with a original and interesting story, with a brilliant performance of Imelda Stauton, a moving film, one of the best movies of 2004.

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FilipeNetoJul 23, 2021

This movie gave me much more pleasure than I expected. Being abortion such a difficult, controversial topic, I was guessing to find a militant, politicized film, in which I would probably lose interest very quickly, as I already have my ideasThis movie gave me much more pleasure than I expected. Being abortion such a difficult, controversial topic, I was guessing to find a militant, politicized film, in which I would probably lose interest very quickly, as I already have my ideas on this topic relatively defined. But that's not what happened: this film will take the theme in another way, giving the main character a candor and naïveté that hardly marry with any intention of subjective indoctrination.

Everything takes place during the 1950s, when Great Britain was still a conservative country with a series of laws and regulations that were highly restrictive in various aspects of life and morals. Vera Drake is a popular, ordinary woman who runs her house, cooks, does the shopping for her family and takes care of her children and husband with all the affection she can. She could be either the mother or the grandmother of any of us! But she does something that no one knows: she "helps women" to have an abortion when they are pregnant without having wanted it (for not wanting the scandal of an early pregnancy or before marriage, for having been raped or just because they already have enough children). She does it for free, never charged for it, does not seek publicity and does things discreetly, driven by the duty to help those in a desperate situation. However, she commits a crime, in the eyes of society and strict British morals. Therefore, she is bothered by the authorities after one of her "patients" is admitted to the hospital, with serious complications arising from her procedure.

If I wanted, I had enough material with this film for a long discussion around abortion. But being a complex, fracturing and controversial topic, and one that is discussed in the public square with such regularity, I will avoid this discussion, which I feel does not have its proper place here. What interests us is the film. The story told is very simple, without artifice and sometimes sounds improvised, but it gives each character the necessary time to develop. The strong point of the film is the conception of the main character, which is very palatable and friendly. Even those who disagree with Vera Drake's way of thinking and acting will feel a certain affection for her, for her naïveté and innate kindness. I don't know if it was intentional, but I'm sorry the script has so little story to tell.

Another strong point of the film is the weight and quality of the cast, and their work. Imelda Staunton is an actress that the public will know for her short, but remarkable, participation in the "Harry Potter" films, but this is, without a doubt, the best cinematographic work of the actress to date. She is phenomenal here, she gave herself entirely to this work, and it is her performance that gives life and body to the entire film. There are some amazing scenes, but I especially remember the close-up of her face when the police show up, and her cheerful face gradually starts to show seriousness, then worry, fear and real anguish. In fact, the scene in which the police show up to arrest her is, by far, the most tense and dramatic moment in the film. Alongside Staunton, we also have great actors like Jim Broadbent, Richard Graham, Eddie Marsan, Alex Kelly, Daniel Mays or Phil Davis. Everyone did a really good job.

Technically, it's a low-key movie. It was directed by Mike Leigh, who had to play with few resources and a very low budget. Perhaps that explains why the sets, although beautifully designed, seem so claustrophobic, in particular Vera Drake's house, where everyone seems to huddle together for dinner. The use of period furniture and props was well accomplished and everything has a touch of realism. One detail that impressed me was the teapot cover, made of knitted wool. There is virtually no soundtrack, given the small budget, but the film works that way, and the foggy and somewhat somber cinematography gives the film a more dated look.… Expand

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geewahFeb 2, 2021

A powerful and humane telling of a story that still has relevance today.
Staunton as the hero puts in an stunning performance.

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