Review of Sherrybaby (2006) by Al N — 16 Apr 2008

'Sherrybaby' is at times realistic, and at times melodramatic, but either way the film is defined by Maggie Gyllenhaal's performance as the titular character, and that is what it will be remembered for.

It follows Sherry Swanson, fresh from jail, addicted to heroin, yet eager to start a new life with her young daughter, who is being cared for by her brother and his partner. There are plenty of things that help Gyllenhaal stand out, notably the understated screenplay and sheer, undeniable force of her character; Sherry seeks out what she wants, and isn't afraid to get into a fight or remove her clothes to get it, and Gyllenhaal doesn't shy away from these aspects at all.

The film's editing, however, isn't particularly smooth or refined, and it feels as though the whole film is improvisation, except for the unfortunately predictable yet not entirely disappointing ending.

While this adds an air of realism to most key scenes it sometimes feels as though the supporting actors are faltering under pressure - luckily Sherry is a genuinely interesting character, one who has a lot of ambiguities yet we can still finally sympathise with.

What the film is lacking is a coherent, perhaps more thought out screenplay, structure, and some focused, more intense direction. There isn't enough story to fill the short running time, even though there could be, and to many things are left unresolved - the director almost deliberately avoids the stronger aspects of her material.

It doesn't stop 'Sherrybaby' from being a complete cop-out, but it's a shame such an intriguing persona is wasted on a half-realised, if big-hearted story.