Dirty God 2020
Directed by
Sacha Polak
Made by
Cinéart
Plot Summary
A young woman, Jade, played by Vicky Knight, comes back home after receiving treatment for severe burns she suffered in a traumatic incident. However, her heart sinks when she realizes that her toddler daughter, Rae, has developed a fear of her due to the noticeable facial scarring. Supported by her loving mother and a close-knit group of friends, Jade still feels an unsettling sense of disconnection, especially when she considers returning to her usual nights out.
In her quest for change, Jade discovers that her current condition is as good as it will ever be. Determined to reclaim her life, she reaches out to a surgeon in Morocco, hoping for facial reconstruction surgery. Unfortunately, her mother refuses to lend her the money needed for the procedure, prompting Jade to take a dead-end job at a call center. It’s here that she forms a close bond with Flavia, another single mother who listens to her struggles. Jade opens up to Flavia about the traumatic incident where her ex-partner poured acid on her during their breakup.
As Jade tries to move forward, she faces numerous setbacks. Tensions rise when she discovers that her mother has been allowing Rae to have contact with her paternal grandmother. This leads to a confrontation that results in Jade being temporarily cast out of her home. Things take a turn for the worse when an embarrassing video of her leaks at work, further isolating her. Desperate for the money to fund her surgery, Jade commits the unthinkable—she steals from her mother and heads to Morocco with her best friend, Shami. Adding to her unease, Shami brings along her boyfriend, Naz, with whom Jade once had a flirtation.
In Morocco, during a moment of vulnerability, Jade and Naz almost become intimate, but Shami’s unexpected arrival halts their advances. To Jade’s dismay, she soon learns that the plastic surgery she had planned is a sham, and her hopes are once again dashed. Amid the turmoil, Naz admits to having true feelings for Jade, but she decides to decline his affections, wanting to remain respectful toward Shami.
After returning home, Jade experiences a turnaround—she earns the title of Employee of the Month at work, and finally manages to reconcile with her mother, indicating a hopeful path towards healing and acceptance despite the scars of her past.
Timeline
Jade Returns Home
Jade, portrayed by Vicky Knight, comes back to her home after undergoing treatment for severe burns sustained from a traumatic incident. She is filled with both hope and dread, realizing that her appearance has noticeably changed and that her toddler daughter, Rae, has developed a fear of her due to the scarring.
Jade's Struggles with Connection
Despite the support from her mother and close friends, Jade feels an unsettling disconnection from her loved ones. The emotional toll of her injury and its impact on her relationship with her daughter weighs heavily on her mind, making her long for her former social life.
Searching for Change
Determined to reclaim her life, Jade seeks out a surgeon in Morocco for facial reconstruction surgery. However, her plans are thwarted when her mother refuses to finance the procedure, leading Jade to search for alternative solutions.
Jade Takes a Dead-End Job
In an effort to fund her surgery, Jade accepts a dead-end job at a call center. It is in this environment that she meets Flavia, a fellow single mother, who becomes a confidante as Jade shares the hurtful details of her past, including the acid attack by her ex-partner.
Confrontation with Her Mother
Tensions escalate between Jade and her mother when Jade discovers that Rae has been allowed to see her paternal grandmother. This revelation leads to a heated argument that results in Jade being temporarily estranged from her home.
Embarrassing Incident at Work
Jade's situation worsens when an embarrassing video of her leaks at the call center. This incident further isolates her, deepening her feelings of shame and frustration as she grapples with the public perception of her after the traumatic incident.
Desperate Measures
In a moment of desperation to fund her trip to Morocco, Jade steals money from her mother. This impulsive decision underscores her determination to pursue the surgery, leading her to hatch a plan to travel with her best friend, Shami.
Journey to Morocco
Jade travels to Morocco with Shami, who brings along her boyfriend Naz, with whom Jade has a complicated past. This unexpected companion creates tension, complicating Jade's emotions as she embarks on her life-changing journey.
Moment of Vulnerability
While in Morocco, a vulnerable moment arises between Jade and Naz, where they nearly become intimate. However, their interaction is interrupted by Shami's unexpected arrival, leaving Jade conflicted about her feelings for Naz.
The Surgery Scam
To Jade’s dismay, she discovers that the promised plastic surgery is a scam, which shatters her hopes for physical and emotional healing. This crushing realization prompts her to reflect on her choices and the nature of her self-worth.
Naz's Confession
Amidst the chaos in Morocco, Naz confesses his true feelings for Jade. Even though she is flattered, Jade ultimately decides to reject his advances to respect her friendship with Shami, demonstrating her integrity amidst her struggles.
Return Home
Upon returning home, Jade begins to experience a shift in her life. The acknowledgment of her struggles and the support from her friends and family leads her to embrace healing, despite the lingering scars from her past.
Newfound Recognition
Jade's hard work pays off as she earns the title of Employee of the Month at her job. This achievement marks a turning point, symbolizing her resilience and determination to rebuild her life.
Reconciliation with Mother
In a pivotal moment of emotional healing, Jade reconciles with her mother. Their relationship strengthens, indicating a hopeful pathway toward acceptance and understanding amid the challenges Jade continues to face.
Characters
Jade (Vicky Knight)
Jade is a young woman grappling with the aftermath of a life-altering acid attack. Her journey is marked by an internal battle with her self-image and the perception others have of her. Despite her struggles, she shows immense strength and determination to heal and reclaim her life.
Flavia (Dana Marineci)
Flavia is a fellow single mother who forms a close bond with Jade. Through shared experiences, she provides emotional support and understanding, allowing Jade to vocalize her struggles. Flavia exemplifies the importance of friendship and solidarity in overcoming personal challenges.
Rae (Eliza Brady-Girard)
Rae is Jade's toddler daughter who represents both hope and struggle for Jade. Her fear of her mother's physical scars adds to Jade's emotional turmoil, raising questions about perception and acceptance in familial relationships.
Naz (Bluey Robinson)
Naz is an intriguing character who complicates Jade's emotional landscape when he expresses romantic feelings for her. His presence highlights themes of unrequited love and the challenges of navigating relationships during a time of personal turmoil.
Shami (Rebecca Stone)
Shami is Jade’s best friend who supports her quest for change. Her presence introduces elements of conflict and loyalty, highlighting the tensions that can arise in friendships when navigating complex emotional journeys.
Setting
Time period
The movie unfolds in contemporary times, grappling with modern societal issues such as beauty standards, trauma recovery, and familial relationships. The narrative reflects the struggles of a young woman navigating life after a life-altering incident in an age where physical appearance is heavily scrutinized.
Location
Morocco
Morocco is known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history. The country is famous for its beautiful markets, traditional architecture, and as a crossroads of various cultures. It represents a place of both hope and disappointment for Jade in her journey.
Themes
💔
Trauma
The theme of trauma is central to Jade's story, highlighting the lingering impacts of violence and societal rejection. Her journey reflects the challenge of overcoming personal and external scars while seeking acceptance. The emotional struggle and the quest for healing remain a constant throughout her experiences.
💪
Resilience
Jade’s determination to reclaim her life after the traumatic incident embodies the theme of resilience. Despite setbacks and a journey filled with pain, she strives to overcome her challenges. This theme underscores the strength found in community support and personal determination.
👩👧
Motherhood
The complexities of motherhood play a significant role in Jade's life as she struggles to reconnect with her daughter Rae. The film explores the challenges single mothers face, particularly in the context of trauma, and the impact it has on their relationships with their children.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.