Watch Herself

"Herself" is a heartwarming drama film released in 2020 that tells the story of Sandra, a single mother in Dublin, who struggles to build a new home for herself and her two daughters after leaving her abusive partner. It is directed by Phyllida Lloyd and stars Clare Dunne, who also wrote the screenplay, as the lead character. The film opens with a distressing scene of domestic violence, where Sandra and her daughters are physically abused by her partner. Sandra manages to escape with her two daughters and find a temporary shelter provided by the government. However, she soon realizes that the living conditions in the shelter are not ideal, especially for her daughters.

Determined to provide a better life for herself and her daughters, Sandra sets on a mission to build a small house for them. She decides to take on this challenge by herself, with no assistance from anyone else. Sandra's commitment and determination remain the driving force behind the film, and it is through her unwavering spirit that she manages to build a home for her family.

However, Sandra soon realizes that she cannot do it alone, and that's when her community comes together to help her. A group of volunteers, led by a kind-hearted builder named Aido (Conleth Hill), offers to assist Sandra in building her dream home. Sandra is skeptical at first, but she eventually gives in to the idea with the help of her friends, The Three Musketeers (Molly McCann, Ruby Rose O'Hara, Ericka Roe).

Throughout the film, we see the struggles and the obstacles that Sandra faces, including securing the finances to buy the materials needed for building the house, dealing with legal issues, and managing her own mental health.

The film is an emotional rollercoaster, which showcases the power of human connection and the strength of a woman who never gives up on her dreams. "Herself" takes a deep dive into the complex issue of domestic violence, showcasing the impact it has on women and their children. The film portrays the message that support, love, and hope are essential tools that help women overcome their difficulties and rebuild their lives.

The performances in the film are captivating and authentic, especially that of Clare Dunne. Her portrayal of Sandra is raw, passionate, and inspiring. She brings a level of realism to the role that makes it hard not to root for her.

The cinematography and direction of the film are also noteworthy. The camera work is intimate and personal, capturing the emotions of the characters in every scene. The film also features an original score by composer Natalie Holt, which adds another layer of emotional depth to the story.

One of the film's unique aspects is its focus on the importance of building a strong sense of community. Through this film, we see how people from different backgrounds, races, and ages come together to help Sandra achieve her goal. The film showcases that the power of people working together can create something remarkable.

In conclusion, "Herself" is an inspiring and uplifting film that tells a powerful story of hope and determination. It serves as a reminder to everyone that women are capable of achieving greatness, and it promotes the importance of building supportive communities. The film is not just about building a home, but about building a life that is filled with love, support, and belonging. It's a powerful message that resonates with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Herself is a 2020 drama. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 70.