Vera Drake Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A relentlessly cheerful cleaning lady accidentally becomes a criminal for giving unwanted pregnancies the sudsy boot in post-war London.

🍿 Vera Drake: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Vera and Her World

Set in 1950s London, the film introduces Vera Drake (Imelda Staunton), a kindhearted and hardworking woman devoted to her working-class family. She spends her days cleaning houses for wealthier families, caring for her sick mother and neighbor, and generally helping those around her. Vera’s warmth and generosity make her a beloved figure in her community.

Vera’s Secret Life

Unbeknownst to her family, Vera also provides illegal abortions to women who cannot afford or do not have access to legal medical procedures. She sees this as another form of helping those in need, charging nothing for her services. Vera is naive about the darker aspects of her actions, unaware that her associate, Lily, profits from arranging these abortions.

Contrasting Worlds: Susan’s Story

The film juxtaposes Vera’s clandestine activities with the experience of Susan (Sally Hawkins), the daughter of one of Vera’s employers. After being raped, Susan obtains a legal abortion through connections and money, highlighting the stark disparity in access to safe reproductive healthcare based on social class.

The Unraveling

When one of Vera’s patients experiences complications, the police investigate, leading them to Vera. The film depicts the shock and devastation as Vera’s secret is revealed to her family during a celebration. Her arrest marks a turning point, unraveling the seemingly stable and happy life she had built.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Vera Drake (Imelda Staunton): A kind-hearted working-class woman in 1950s London who secretly performs illegal abortions out of compassion.
• Stan (Phil Davis): Vera’s loving and supportive husband who works as a car mechanic and is shocked to learn about her secret activities.
• Ethel (Alex Kelly): Vera’s quiet and unassuming daughter who works in a factory and eventually finds love with Reg.
• Sid (Daniel Mays): Vera’s son, a tailor, who initially struggles to accept his mother’s actions and their consequences.
• Lily (Ruth Sheen): Vera’s acquaintance who arranges the abortions and profits from them without Vera’s knowledge.
• Susan (Sally Hawkins): A young woman from a wealthier background who experiences the privilege of obtaining a safe and legal abortion after being raped.
• Judge (Jim Broadbent): The judge presiding over Vera’s case, representing the legal system that condemns her actions.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Reg: “It don’t seem fair. Look at my mom: six of us in two rooms. It’s all right if you’re rich, but if you can’t feed them, you can’t love them, can you?” – Reg expresses his frustration with the class disparity that allows wealthier women access to safe abortions while poorer women are forced to seek dangerous alternatives.
• Vera: “I help them out, dear.” – Vera’s simple explanation to the police, encapsulating her motivation and the limited scope of her understanding of the gravity of her actions.
• Judge: “You stand accused of very serious offences.” – The judge’s statement highlighting the legal ramifications of Vera’s actions.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $11,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $3,775,283
• Worldwide Gross: $13,267,869

💥 Vera Drake Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely floored by Vera Drake. Imelda Staunton’s performance is just phenomenal. The scene where the police arrive at her home genuinely broke my heart. I felt so much empathy for Vera and her family. It’s a tough watch, but it’s an important one that stays with you long after the credits roll. It really makes you think about how different things were back then, and how much we’ve gained and lost.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British period dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in social justice themes”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven stories”
  • “Fans of Mike Leigh’s films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depiction of illegal abortions”
  • “Discussion of sexual assault”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Some disturbing content”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “A heartbreaking portrayal of a woman driven by compassion, Imelda Staunton delivers a career-defining performance. Leigh’s masterful direction creates a deeply moving experience, forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths about class and morality in 1950s Britain.
• Empire Magazine: “Vera Drake is a quiet storm of social commentary, elevated by Staunton’s nuanced performance. The film’s strength lies in its refusal to take easy sides, offering a complex and compassionate look at a divisive issue.
• RogerEbert.com: “A devastating masterpiece. Mike Leigh presents Vera with unflinching honesty. Vera Drake is not just a film about abortion; it’s a film about empathy, social injustice, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Staunton’s performance is unforgettable.

Audience Reactions

Imelda Staunton’s performance is a tour de force; utterly believable and heartbreaking.: Viewers consistently praise the realistic portrayal of working-class life in post-war London.

The film sparked thoughtful discussions about social injustice and access to healthcare.: Many viewers appreciated the film’s even-handed approach to a sensitive and polarizing issue.

Overall Consensus: Vera Drake is a powerful and moving film, elevated by Imelda Staunton’s exceptional performance and Mike Leigh’s sensitive direction. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of social issues and human compassion.

Awards

1. Venice Film Festival (Golden Lion)- 2004
2. BAFTA Awards (Best Actress)- 2005

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Mike Leigh is known for his unique directing style, which involves extensive improvisation and character development before filming, often without a full script.”
• “Imelda Staunton was the only actor who knew the full scope of the film’s storyline from the beginning. The other actors were kept in the dark about Vera’s secret activities until their characters would have discovered them in the story.”
• “The film’s visual style aimed for realism, with muted colors and natural lighting to reflect the atmosphere of post-war London.”
• “Mike Leigh was nominated for an Oscar for Best Director for Vera Drake, and Imelda Staunton was nominated for Best Actress.”

🖥️ How to Watch Vera Drake?

As of October 2024, ‘Vera Drake’ is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check local listings for potential streaming options via subscription services. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Vera Drake, you might like these similar films:

• 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (2007): This Romanian film offers a similarly stark and unflinching portrayal of illegal abortion under a repressive regime.
• The Cider House Rules (1999): Deals with the topic of abortion in the mid 20th century, although with a more sentimental and less realistic tone.
• Secrets & Lies (1996): Another Mike Leigh film known for its realism and focus on working-class characters dealing with difficult family secrets.

🛒 Vera Drake Related Products

• Vera Drake [Blu-ray]: Experience Vera Drake in stunning high definition. The Blu-ray edition includes special features like interviews with the cast and director, offering a deeper look into the making of this remarkable film.
• Mike Leigh: Interviews (Conversations with Filmmakers Series): Delve into the mind of the acclaimed director with this collection of interviews. Gain insights into his unique filmmaking process, his collaborations with actors, and his commitment to social realism.
• 1950s Women’s Fashion: A Vintage Coloring Book: Get creative with authentic outfits from the 1950’s era
• Keep Calm and Drink Tea Mug: This mug is not just a charming homage to British culture; it’s also a reminder to find solace in the simple pleasures of life, just as Vera Drake did

🎧 Soundtrack

Vera Drake features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Salut D’Amour (Liebesgruss), Op.12” – performed by Edward Elgar

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Ebert & Roeper – Best of 2004

Ever wonder what the top critics thought of ‘Vera Drake’ when it came out? Check out Ebert & Roeper’s Best of 2004 where they discuss it – Ebert even puts it in his top 3! I always find it interesting to see how movies hold up over time.

✨ Rate