30 Nov 2005
Director: Mike Leigh
UK, France, New Zealand
2004
125 min
Vera Drake is a kind and selfless woman, in the 1950’s, who is devoted to and loved by her family. Her days are spent caring for sick neighbours and her elderly mother which she does with kind words and encouragement. However there is another act of kindness Vera does – one that is illegal. She secretly visits young women with unwanted pregnancies and induces abortions. When the authorities become involved, Vera’s life falls apart. Leigh’s direction is non-judgemental and Imelda Staunton, as Vera, gives a heart-aching portrayal of the human face behind what many considered an unspeakable crime.