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Herself (15)

A still from the film Herself

Set in Dublin, Clare Dunne shines as a separated mother and survivor of domestic violence, who fights the odds and the system to build a house for herself and her daughters. 

Sandra (Dunne) is trying: trying to extricate herself from an abusive marriage, trying to hold down multiple jobs, trying to find housing, all to better provide a safe and happy life for her two young daughters. But the system puts blocks at every turn, not least by denying the family safe housing.

Yet help comes unexpectedly through Peggy (Harriet Walter), for whom Sandra’s mother was a cleaner, but also a friend. Given some of Peggy’s unused land, Sandra decides to build a home from scratch. Despite her shame, Sandra finds it within her to ask the community for help, who eventually come together to create the house. 

Director Phyllida Lloyd handles potent emotions with skill, to create a feature that feels the emotions of its protagonists deeply, while creating a portrait of the power of teamwork.

Tagged with: Cinema New releases

Ireland/UK 2020 Dir Phyllida Lloyd 97 min

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