Vera Drake 2004
Directed by
Mike Leigh
Made by
Fine Line Features
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Vera Drake (2004). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Vera Drake, portrayed by Imelda Staunton, is a woman whose life revolves around her family. She dedicates herself to caring for her husband, children, elderly mother, and even a sick neighbor. Vera’s daughter, Ethel (Alex Kelly), toils away in a factory, while her son, Sid (Daniel Mays), is busy tailoring men’s suits. Her husband, Stanley (Phil Davis), earns a living as a car mechanic. Despite their modest lifestyle, the strength of their family ties keeps them united and resilient.
In addition to being a house cleaner, what remains hidden from her loved ones is Vera’s clandestine role as a backroom abortionist. Driven by compassion rather than profit, she does not accept payment for her services, believing it to be an altruistic act. However, her partner, Lily (Ruth Sheen), a savvy businesswoman involved in the black market, profits from the arrangements without Vera’s awareness.
As the narrative unfolds, we are also introduced to Susan (Sally Hawkins), one of Vera’s employer’s daughters, whose plight becomes a poignant subplot. After being raped by a boyfriend, Susan finds herself pregnant and seeks assistance from a friend to find a doctor who performs abortions. In a rather disturbing twist, a psychiatrist manipulates her responses, ensuring he can recommend the procedure by suggesting she might be in such despair that she could harm herself.
While the financial amounts discussed in the film may appear negligible today, it is crucial to note that two guineas in 1950 would equate to an impressive £48 in 2005, and a hundred guineas—required for a psychiatrist-sanctioned abortion—would reach a staggering £2400. This stark contrast highlights the economic context of the story and the struggles faced by its characters.
Timeline
Track the key events of Vera Drake (2004) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Vera's Family Life
Vera Drake dedicates her life to taking care of her immediate family, including her husband, children, elderly mother, and a sick neighbor. Despite their modest means, Vera's strong familial bonds provide them with resilience and support.
Ethel and Sid's Struggles
Vera's daughter Ethel works hard in a factory, contributing to the family's financial struggles. Meanwhile, her son Sid is busy tailoring men's suits, both of which highlight the economic challenges faced by the family in post-war Britain.
Stanley's Mechanics Job
Stanley, Vera's husband, works as a car mechanic to provide for the family. His job represents the typical working-class struggle in the 1950s, as they attempt to make ends meet and maintain their family unity.
Vera's Secret
Unknown to her family, Vera secretly performs illegal abortions as a backroom abortionist. Driven by compassion, she offers her services for free, believing she is helping women in need without realizing the moral and legal implications of her actions.
Lily's Involvement
Vera’s partner, Lily, secretly profits from Vera's abortion services. Unlike Vera, who acts out of a desire to help, Lily operates within the black market, illustrating the darker aspects of their clandestine operation.
Introduction of Susan
Susan, the daughter of one of Vera's employers, is introduced as a critical character. After a traumatic incident of rape, Susan's life is thrown into turmoil, and she finds herself dealing with an unwanted pregnancy.
Susan's Search for Help
Desperate for assistance, Susan seeks help from a friend to find a doctor who can perform an abortion. Her journey highlights the desperate situation many women faced in a society that offered little support or understanding for their plight.
Manipulation by the Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist takes advantage of Susan's vulnerability. By manipulating her responses during their interactions, he ensures that he can recommend an abortion, cruelly exploiting her despair for his own agenda.
Financial Context
The film reflects on the financial ramifications surrounding abortion during the era. Two guineas, which may appear trivial today, equated to £48 in 2005, revealing the significant economic burden on women seeking such services.
Societal Pressures
As the characters navigate their struggles, the film explores the societal pressures that compel women like Susan to seek illegal abortions. These pressures often stem from stigmas surrounding unwanted pregnancies and lack of accessible reproductive healthcare.
Climactic Revelations
As the narrative progresses, the consequences of Vera's actions begin to unravel. The tension rises as her secretive life as an abortionist threatens to collide with her cherished family existence, leading to inevitable conflict.
Impact on Family Dynamics
The revelation of Vera's clandestine activities will strain her family dynamics, putting her loved ones in a position of emotional turmoil. This event ultimately leads to a dramatic confrontation that tests the very fabric of their familial bonds.
Legal Consequences
The film culminates in Vera facing legal repercussions for her actions. The legal implications serve as a stark reminder of the societal attitudes towards women's rights and reproductive choices during the period.
Aftermath and Reflection
Following the catastrophic events, Vera and her family must confront the consequences of their choices. The closing scenes reflect a somber reality, highlighting the moral complexities of their lives and the era’s attitudes towards abortion.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Vera Drake (2004) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Vera Drake (Imelda Staunton)
Vera Drake is a compassionate and selfless woman deeply devoted to her family and community. She embodies resilience, balancing her responsibilities as a homemaker with her secretive role in providing help to women in need. Vera's character is marked by her moral conviction, navigating the complexities of right and wrong in a society that fails its most vulnerable.
Ethel Drake
Ethel, Vera's hardworking daughter, represents the younger generation striving for independence while facing economic hardship. Her role in the factory showcases the struggles of working-class women in the 1950s, caught between familial duties and personal aspirations.
Susan
Susan, the daughter of one of Vera's employers, embodies the plight of women seeking autonomy over their bodies. After facing trauma and an unwanted pregnancy, her journey reveals the emotional and societal challenges women faced when considering their reproductive options.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Vera Drake (2004), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1950s
Set in the 1950s, the film captures a period marked by strict societal norms and limited reproductive rights for women. It reflects the economic hardships of post-war Britain, where families faced significant financial challenges while simultaneously grappling with evolving social issues surrounding women's health and autonomy.
Location
Working-class neighborhood, England
The movie takes place in a working-class neighborhood in England, characterized by modest homes and a close-knit community. This setting reflects the struggles and resilience of families during the mid-20th century, highlighting the everyday lives of its inhabitants as they navigate both personal and societal challenges.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Vera Drake (2004). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Reproductive Rights
The theme of reproductive rights is central to the film, focusing on the lack of access to safe abortion procedures in post-war England. Vera Drake's illicit activities highlight the desperation faced by women like Susan, underlining the moral and ethical dilemmas in a society that restricts women's choices.
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Family Bonds
Family bonds are a pivotal theme in 'Vera Drake', showcasing the strength and support among its members despite economic challenges. Vera's dedication to her family contrasts sharply with her hidden life, shedding light on the sacrifices made for loved ones and the impact of secrets on familial relationships.
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