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Vera Drake
****
Excellent
film set in the very bleak 50s. Imelda Staunton plays Vera Drake, a resolutely cheerful and kind lady whose
world falls apart when it is found out that she has been carrying out backstreet abortions for years. As
Vera’s trial takes place towards the end of the film, there is no clear reason given as to why she helps “young
girls in trouble” (as she would put it) but a distinct hint that, like many of the girls, she was sexually assaulted
as a young woman.
Staunton is superb as the stoical then silent Vera and is excellently supported by Phil Daniels as her
loyal husband and Alex Kelly as her painfully shy daughter among others. A powerful, thought-provoking
film and historical insight, which is well worth seeing.
Released: 2004
Seen by me: 17-18.2.07
(with Naomi)
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