Sherrybaby

SHERRYBABY (18)

D: Laurie Collyer

IFC/Big Beach/Elevation/Red Envelope (Marc Turtletaub & Lemore Syvan)

US 2006

96 mins

Drama

W: Laurie Collyer

DP: Russell Lee Fine

Ed: Curtiss Clayton & Joe Landauer

Mus: Jack Livesey

Maggie Gyllenhaal (Sherry Swanson), Brad William Henke (Bobby Swanson), Sam Bottoms (Bob Swanson, Sr.), Kate Burton (Marcia Swanson), Giancarlo Esposito (Hernandez), Danny Trejo (Dean Walker)

Maggie Gyllenhaal delivers an excellent lead performance as Sherry Swanson, a former drug addict released from prison, attempting to go clean for the sake of her daughter, who is being cared for by Sherry's brother and his wife.

A bleak and depressing domestic drama, though it uncovers a desperation and vulnerability to addiction which a lot of similar films seem to gloss over. 

It's due to the magnetic performance of the lead actress that makes this such a riveting watch, handling difficult subject matter in a vivid, but incredibly tasteful way.

6/10