Herself

Herself tells the story of Sandra a young mother who seeks to rebuild her life from scratch and provide a safe home for her two young daughters.

In order to do so she must escape the grip of a possessive ex-partner circumnavigate a broken housing system and bring together a community of friends who can support her and lend a helping hand.

Herself is led by acclaimed director Phyllida Lloyd (Mamma Mia! The Iron Lady) and emerging Irish actor Clare Dunne who plays Sandra and is widely known for her theatre work including Lloyd's all-female stage version of Shakespeare's Henry IV.

Official Trailer: Herself

Review: Herself

From Ireland a quietly eloquent little film about the hurt of ending an abusive relationship the hardship of asking others for help and the healing power of starting a new life on your own terms.

Clare Dunne stars as Sandra a Dublin mother of two who has had to make a definitive break from the father of her young daughters. Not just for the safety of her children. But for her own survival.

Determined to put a roof over her fractured family's heads but frustrated by the lack of public housing available to single mothers on low incomes Sandra decides she will build her own house. With the aid of an unlikely benefactor and discovering a will to prevail Sandra and a new circle of supporters set about making her dream a reality.

This is by no means the frothy feelgood fare it may appear to be. There is a raw authenticity to the handling of Sandra's difficult journey that has you worried for her and cheering for her. Great work from director Phyllida Lloyd who has opted for a radical change of gears from past films such as The Iron Lady and Mamma Mia!.

Review by LEIGH PAATSCH from the July 1 2021 issue of The Herald Sun Digital Edition. To subscribe visit https://www.heraldsun.com.au/.

RELEASE DATE
Thursday 1st July

DURATION
97 min

RATING
MA15+

CAST
Harriet Walter Cathy Belton Molly McCann Clare Dunne Ruby Rose O'Hara Ian Lloyd Anderson Shadaan Felfeli

DIRECTOR
Phyllida Lloyd

GENRE
Drama