Vera Drake

Dir. Mike Leigh · France, UK · English

Women’s rights and class collide in Mike Leigh’s immaculate period piece

Our take by Igor Fishman

Mike Leigh’s forthright and compassionate depiction of working-class life extends to his period pieces as well. Imelda Staunton is remarkable as Vera Drake, a housekeeper in 1950’s London who quietly performs abortions on the side.

Leigh’s vigilant portrayal of class highlights the stark divide between abortion access for the poor and what is offered to the rich. The storytelling is simple and straightforward, he doesn’t over-sentimentalize or grandstand, but merely depicts conditions as they were. Meanwhile, Staunton’s Vera oozes so much fullness, warmth, and empathy, that the heartbreak that follows is mercilessly palpable.

What happens

Abortionist Vera Drake finds her beliefs and practices clash with the mores of 1950s Britain – a conflict that leads to tragedy for her family.

What the critics said

Notable Critics

"The movie is all of a piece, and its discipline is part of its meaning."

— David Denby

"The heroine of Mike Leigh's wonderfully subtle and relentlessly harrowing new film is a cheerful, compactly built middle-aged woman who spends her waking hours in perpetual motion."

— Amy Taubin

Awards

Oscars

3 noms

Nominated: Best ActressNominated: Best DirectorNominated: Best Original Screenplay

Venice

2 wins

Won: Best ActressWon: Golden Lion

Golden Globes

1 nom

Nominated: Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture

BAFTA

3 wins · 8 noms

Won: Best Costume DesignWon: Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading RoleWon: David Lean Award for DirectionNominated: Alexander Korda Award for Best British FilmNominated: Best EditingNominated: Best FilmNominated: Best Make Up & HairNominated: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting RoleNominated: Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting RoleNominated: Best Production DesignNominated: Best Screenplay