Herself (2020)

Herselfis directed byPhyllida Lloyd, best known for directingMamma Mia!andThe Iron Lady, written byMalcolm Campbell and starringClare Dunne.

The film illustrates the life of a single who struggles to provide an ideal childhood for her two daughters. Through acts of kindness from several individuals, Sandra builds a house and reestablishes her identity.

What started with a feel-good moment quickly turned disheartening. The film opens with Sandra (Dunne) singing and playing with her daughters, Molly and Emma (Molly McCannandRuby Rose O’Hara). Once Sandra’s husband Gary (Ian Lloyd Anderson) enters the kitchen, things turn dark. After the girls are sent outside in the cold, Gary ruthlessly attacks Sandra — he shoves her around, punches her, and completely wrecks her hand. Although Emma was sent off with the code “Black Widow,” meaning Sandra is in danger, Molly witnessed the violent abuse. While her witnessing is predictable, the audience isn’t meant to realize this about Molly until later on in the film.

Now, that moment is disturbing — it’s terrifying, and it’s heartbreaking. But,do notlet it keep you from watching the rest of this inspiring, uplifting film.

Sandra and her children get away from that dangerous environment with the help ofWomen’s Aid, a UK-based charity dedicated to rescuing women and children from abuse.

WithIreland’s housing crisisincreasing almost daily, Sandra and her two girls are forced to live in a hotel after the housing system denies them a new home.