Review of Vera Drake (2004) by Emma D — 28 Mar 2007

On one hand, you've got a movie of surprising poignancy, considering it didn't have a script. Almost everything was improvised based on the concept of the scene. Some of the exchanges are excellent, helped along by strong performances. Imelda Staunton is a striking standout, and though I don't think I would have given her the Oscar over Hilary Swank, she certainly deserved her nomination. Finally, the movie treats the controversial issue of abortion with a gentle, nonpartisan hand, getting all the pathos it can from the subject without making it feel manipulative.

At the same time, though, I can't help but feel that this movie is agitatingly British. Long pauses in between dialogue, drab set pieces, and some really assy cinematography all mean that the movie is only engaging when it really has to be. Sure, it counts for a lot when the time comes, but it's not a consistent or perfect film. This tested even my iron patience in a few stretches. The first hour is somewhat repetitive, and it clears up by the end of the second act, but it's not an easy watch.