Retro Film Review: Vera Drake (2004)
Despite many efforts to create a centrist "multi-cultural" consensus as the universal ideology of the globalised post-Cold War world, there are still issues that sharply divide people, even in supposedly enlightened Western liberal democracies. One of these thorny issues is abortion - a debate that occasionally escalates into violence in the USA, highlighting the high levels of emotions stirred in other parts of the world. Hollywood has rarely tackled abortion themes, usually with unsatisfactory results due to liberal and leftist filmmakers not being able to convey their "pro-choice" views without turning such films into cheap propaganda. What most Hollywood films lack is a connection with real life instead of relying on cheap stereotypes, something British director Mike Leigh excels at. His exploration of the abortion issue in his 2004 drama Vera Drake resulted in rave reviews and prestigious awards at the Venice Film Festival.
The plot is set in 1950s London, a city still recovering from the devastating effects of World War II. Poverty and food rationing, however, are somewhat alleviated in the home of Vera Drake (played by Imelda Staunton), a middle-aged woman who dedicates every moment to improving the lives of her loving husband Stan (played by Phil Davis), ambitious son Sid (played by David Mays), and pathologically shy daughter Ethel (played by Alex Kelly). Vera Drake is seen as an angel by her friends, relatives, and neighbours, unaware that she also helps numerous women with their "troubles" using soap, hot water, a surgical instrument, a cup of tea, and kind words. When one of these procedures leads to medical complications, Vera Drake is tracked down by Detective Inspector Webster (played by Peter Wight), leading to a confrontation that shatters her family's utopia.
Mike Leigh's choice to set his abortion-themed film in the mid-20th century is understandable, as Britain during that time was more impoverished and socially stratified, making it easier to portray certain abortion-related issues. Contraception was not commonly discussed, and abortions were illegal, leaving women with limited and often dangerous options. Leigh does not explicitly present the "pro-choice" case, allowing room for viewers with "pro-life" views to find arguments in Vera Drake. The film suggests that Vera, despite her angelic nature, is a product of an unwanted pregnancy, challenging perceptions about happiness and poverty. Women who choose to abort are not portrayed as victims or heroines, avoiding simplistic stereotypes. The film acknowledges the divisive nature of the issue through the varied reactions of Vera Drake's family.
In typical Mike Leigh fashion, the acting in Vera Drake is exceptional. Imelda Staunton's performance goes beyond greatness, capturing the essence of her character. The rest of the cast also shines, portraying ordinary people who resonate with the audience. Even the police detective, usually a symbol of authority, is depicted as a sympathetic human rather than a cold enforcer of laws. While the film may appear modest in production, the meticulous research and recreation of post-war London are evident in many scenes. The musical score by Andrew Dickson, often criticized in Leigh's previous works, serves a significant dramatic purpose in Vera Drake.
Despite its strengths, the film does have weaknesses. The transition from the detailed exposition of Vera Drake's world to its tragic unravelling in the second half feels abrupt. The issue of Vera Drake not accepting payment for her services remains unexplored, and the ending may leave viewers wanting more. One prominent flaw is Leigh's attempt to add a social dimension to the abortion issue through a subplot involving Vera Drake's employer's daughter, which feels contrived. Although Sally Hawking delivers a strong performance, the character comes across as a plot device rather than a fully developed individual.
Despite that, Vera Drake deserves praise as a compelling film that tackles difficult and divisive issues with intelligence and humanity.
RATING: 8/10 (+++)
(Note: Original version of the review is available here.)
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