Review of Vera Drake (2004) by Cecilia C — 13 Mar 2009

An unassuming little British film turns into a power-house of emotion and impact with one of the most powerful performances on film in years. Mostly know for her stage work in her native England, Imelda Staunton delivers a tour-de-force turn as a 1950 London abortionist.

Vera Drake?s transition, from a contented lower-middle-class housewife/mother/domestic to a wanted felon is seamless. In the beginning, we see someone who does not have a lot but is always happy?always upbeat about all of the trials of her life?a good-hearted, good-natured person who does way more for others (including strangers) than she would ever think of doing for herself.

Then, the little secret she?s kept from everyone in her life comes out with a vengeance and her whole demeanor/persona changes. She?s no longer Vera, whistling while she cleans up after others?she?s Vera, lawbreaker with years of hidden secrets.

A less skilled actress might have taken this role and relied more on clichéd shifts in emotions. Staunton brilliantly transforms Vera from a strong-willed woman to a helpless victim of an unjust system.

Yet, the sparkle in Vera?s eyes never dies, no matter how hard the fight. It?s a depressing story but the performance of Staunton gives the audience something to hope for?