by Shane Conto
What are the best films to release at the start of a new year? Every January we usually get a flood of horrible and not terrifying horror films. We get films with one big name that happen to be dumpster fires that well…need to be dumped somewhere. You also get those “December” releases that really dropped in January but they want some awards attention. But 2021 seems to be a perfect time to drop small intimate dramas that will destroy you emotionally. Queue Amazon’s latest original release, Herself. This drama starts with an Irish mother and her absolutely adorable kids. But things spiral quickly into brutal domestic violence and homelessness.
The film might pack some emotional scenarios but does that film deliver on them in a meaningful way?
Director Phyllida Lloyd takes the helm with this intimate drama which is a departure from some of her other work. Lloyd has directed two other features and one was Mamma Mia! That one is definitely a raw and intimate drama too, right? Besides that point, Lloyd is able to capture the emotion of this tale which has plenty to offer. Every moment our protagonist experiences her trauma, Lloyd is able to create a visceral atmosphere that allows the audience to experience those feelings as well. The pacing is effective as the story moves along at an effect rate. When a small-scale drama can deliver a brisk pace without the trappings of genre films, that is something special. The tone can be tricky in a film like this but Lloyd is able to balance the heartwarming moments that our lead, Sandra, experiences with her children and other people in her life with the heartbreaking moments of abuse, pain, and loss.
Speaking of the trials that are laid out in the film, how does the screenplay from leading actress, Clare Dunne, deliver on them?
The story builds a moving and affecting tale of a woman who escapes from the perils of her abusive marriage but then struggles to keep custody of her kids and create a new home for them. The story hits many familiar beats and the plot plays out in mostly the ways you may expect. There are a few moments in the film that will surprise you and keep the audience on their toes. Where the story feels familiar, the characters that inhabit along the way really make the story more impactful. As stated before, the kids are adorable. They are endearing and allow for the audience to experience great empathy whenever they are on screen. They go through tough experiences and you feel for them. Games of Thrones alum, Conleth Hill, is a tough yet caring contractor who brings some sass to the proceedings. Harriet Walter’s character is a tough old woman who at first is just Sandra’s employer but later builds into a maternal figure that she needed. There are many other characters that bring life to the film…and some that deliver the much needed tension. The husband character in this film is not only physically abusive but also manipulative in such cruel ways.
But how does this film really connect with the audience?
Similar to Pieces of a Woman, Herself boasts performances that really bring things together. Clare Dunne is a vulnerable yet strong presence at the heart of the film. Dunne delivers a performance that is seriously empathetic and delivers in a way that anchors the emotional moments of the film. Is the performance showy? No, but it is surely impressive nonetheless. Conleth Hill is probably the most memorable supporting performance as he brings a veteran presence that brings some gravitas to the scenes that he is in. Harriet Walter is strong and stern yet fun to watch and her chemistry with Dunne works so well. Ian Lloyd Anderson’s husband character is so despicable but his performance has the believably to deliver. Special shout out to Molly McCann and Ruby Rose O’Hara who are both delightful as the daughters in the film.
Should you be taking your time to start this cinematic year with this streaming drama?
That is a big yes! Amazon has a gem here with this Irish drama. This film has strong themes about maternal strength and anti-abuse messaging. The trauma from abuse is dealt with in a meaningful and moving way. Clare Dunne has plenty of talent in front of the camera and writing as well. Take the time to dive into Herself and see what you are missing.
Grade: A-