A Good Woman Is Hard to Find 2020
Directed by
Abner Pastoll
Made by
Film Movement
Plot Summary
Sarah Collins, a young mother coping with the tragic loss of her husband Stephen, is determined to uncover the truth behind his murder. With two children, Ben and Lucy, she faces the harsh reality that Ben has become mute ever since witnessing his father’s brutal killing in broad daylight. The authorities view Stephen’s death as just another incident in the violent world of crime, leaving Sarah frustrated with their inability to catch the murderer.
Amidst her struggles, local criminal Leo Miller becomes part of her life when Tito, a petty thief, breaks into her home after a botched drug deal. Fearful yet desperate, Sarah contemplates using Tito to extract information about her husband’s death, hoping this could pave the way for her family to regain some normalcy. However, chaos ensues when Ben stumbles upon the stolen drugs and unintentionally gets involved in Tito’s drug-related mess.
The tension escalates dramatically when Tito, enraged by the ruined drugs, attempts to assault Sarah. In a shocking turn of events, she defends herself and kills him before hiding his body. As fate would have it, Leo soon discovers Tito’s connection to both him and Sarah, leading to a confrontation that brings further danger to her family. During a shopping trip that spirals into chaos, Ben exclaims in horror that Leo was responsible for their father’s demise, confirming Sarah’s worst fears.
Seeking vengeance and protection for her children, Sarah takes a daring step by confronting Leo at his nightclub, bringing with her an unsettling token of her resolve: Tito’s severed head. She demands that Leo leave her family in peace, but when his threats continue and she learns of his involvement in Stephen’s murder, her fury ignites. In a climactic showdown, Sarah retaliates against Leo and his henchmen, executing her tragic form of justice as the events are ultimately chalked up to typical gang violence. Her quest for truth and survival leads her to a place she never anticipated, where she becomes the very thing she sought to escape.
Timeline
The Tragic Loss
Sarah Collins's life changes forever when her husband, Stephen, is brutally murdered in broad daylight. As she grapples with this heart-wrenching reality, the impact of Stephen's death overwhelms her and forces her to confront the challenges of single motherhood.
Ben's Silent Suffering
Following his father's death, young Ben becomes mute, unable to voice the trauma he experienced witnessing the horrific event. His silence serves as a constant reminder of the family’s loss and the emotional turmoil that envelops Sarah and her children.
The Authorities' Indifference
Frustrated with the police's perception of Stephen's murder as just another incident in their crime-ridden neighborhood, Sarah seeks answers. She realizes that she must take matters into her own hands, as the law appears powerless to bring justice for her family.
Tito's Intrusion
Chaos ensues when petty thief Tito breaks into Sarah's home while fleeing from a botched drug deal. Sarah, feeling both threatened and desperate, contemplates using Tito as a potential source of information about her husband's murder, despite the risks involved.
Ben's Mistake
While exploring the chaos resulting from Tito's break-in, Ben unexpectedly discovers a stash of stolen drugs. This accident draws him deeper into Tito's dangerous world, amplifying the threats against Sarah and her family.
Self-Defense
In a terrifying confrontation, Tito, angered by the lost drugs, attempts to assault Sarah. In a moment of sheer survival instinct, she defends herself, ultimately killing Tito and concealing his body to protect her family's future.
Leo's Discovery
Not long after Tito's death, Leo Miller, a local criminal, learns of the connection between Tito and Sarah. This revelation sets the stage for an intense and dangerous confrontation that threatens the safety of Sarah and her children.
A Chaotic Shopping Trip
During a routine shopping trip, chaos erupts when Ben exclaims that Leo was responsible for their father's murder. This shocking admission sends Sarah spiraling into fear and fury, as her worst suspicions about Leo are confirmed.
Sarah's Confrontation
Determined to protect her family, Sarah confronts Leo at his nightclub. She brings with her a startling token, Tito’s severed head, demanding that he leave her family alone, signaling her desperation and resolve.
Unleashing Fury
When Leo continues to threaten her family, Sarah is consumed by rage and becomes a force of vengeance. In a climactic showdown, she retaliates against Leo and his henchmen, battling the very crime she sought to escape.
A Violent Conclusion
The events spiral into violence and chaos, ultimately being dismissed as typical gang conflicts by those around her. Sarah's quest for truth and justice leads her to a path of darkness, blurring the lines between victim and aggressor.
Transformation
By the end, Sarah transforms into something she never intended to become, driven by her need for justice. The once loving mother becomes embroiled in a lifestyle of violence, illustrating the tragic consequences of loss and revenge.
Characters
Sarah Collins (Sarah Bolger)
Sarah is a devoted mother embattled by grief and the aftermath of her husband's murder. Her character evolves from a frightened widow to a formidable force determined to protect her family. She embodies strength, resilience, and the desperation that comes from losing those you love.
Tito (Andrew Simpson)
Tito is a petty thief who intersects with Sarah's life through a series of unfortunate events. Initially, he embodies chaos and danger, but as the story unfolds, his character reveals the complexities of desperation in the criminal underworld. His actions significantly impact Sarah’s fate.
Leo Miller (Edward Hogg)
Leo is the antagonist whose criminal connections and involvement in Stephen's murder make him a significant threat to Sarah’s family. His character represents the dark side of vengeance and the risks that come with navigating the treacherous world of organized crime.
Ben (Rudy Doherty)
Ben is Sarah's young son who inadvertently becomes a witness to his father's murder. His silence is a poignant representation of trauma, reflecting the psychological impact of violence on children. Throughout the film, he symbolizes innocence lost and the need for protection.
Lucy (Macie McCauley)
Lucy is Sarah's daughter, facing the same harsh realities as her brother. Her character adds depth to the family's struggle and the emotional toll of their father's loss. She represents hope amidst despair and the innocent lives affected by the surrounding chaos.
Setting
Time period
The film is set in a contemporary timeframe, reflecting modern-day societal issues such as crime and the struggles of single parenthood. It portrays a world where the consequences of violence ripple through families and communities, shedding light on the ongoing battle for justice.
Location
Sarah's home, Nightclub
The story unfolds primarily in Sarah's home, a place filled with memories of her late husband. The contrasting setting of the nightclub symbolizes the underbelly of crime in her community, where danger lurks in every corner and where she confronts her husband's murderer.
Themes
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Vengeance
The theme of vengeance drives Sarah's actions throughout the film, portraying a mother’s primal instinct to protect her children. Her journey reveals the fine line between justice and revenge and the moral complexities involved in her desperate quest for answers. It challenges the viewer to consider the lengths one will go to when pushed to the brink.
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Grief
Grief pervades the narrative as Sarah grapples with the loss of her husband and the impact of that loss on her children. The film explores how trauma reshapes relationships and the difficult path of healing in the wake of violence. It presents a raw depiction of a mother's heartbreak and her struggle to find solace amidst chaos.
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Search for Truth
Sarah's relentless search for truth is a central theme in the story, reflecting her desperation to understand her husband's murder. It highlights the challenges faced by those seeking justice in a flawed system, and the lengths individuals may go to uncover hidden truths. This pursuit not only changes her but also transforms her into an unexpected force of resilience.
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