Herself 2020

      This is the story of young mother Sandra and she escapes from her abusive husband and fights back against a broken housing system.  She sets out to build her own home and in the process rebuilds her life and re-discovers herself.  Sandra has two daughters, one six years old, another eight years old and a very controlling husband.  He mistakes possession for affection and uses force to keep his family together.  Gary discovers a stash of money that Sandra has been saving to be able to leave him.  For this action, she receives some punches and he stomps on her hand.  Her girls are there to witness every frightening blow.  Sandra has permanent nerve damage in her hand!!

     Herself is an inspiring Irish drama about a woman who escapes her abusive husband and attempts to rebuild a life for herself and her two daughters.  The police are called after Gary leaves.  Sandra and her children are temporarily housed in an airport hotel.  Sandra is hoping for a place in Ireland’s social housing but there is a three-year waiting list.  She is working two jobs to support herself and her daughters.  Sandra learns from computer information that she could build a modest home for them for about $38,000.  

     First, they would need a small plot of land and a way to get the money??  Is there any way this dream could come true??  This movie includes adult themes and shows incidents of domestic violence including kicking, punching and stomping.  Some of the injuries sustained include cuts and broken bones.  There are scenes involving the benefits and failures of legal systems and a custody hearing.  Strong language is used, alcohol and cigarettes are featured occasionally.  The story is bleak in places and could be distressing for younger viewers.  It also has lighter moments that bring warmth and hope to the situation.  5* (I liked this movie)

97 min, Drama directed by Phyllida Lloyd and written by Malcolm Campbell and Claire Dunne with Molly McCann Ruby Rose O’Hara, Ian Lloyd Anderson, Clare Dunne, Shadaan Felfeli, Cathy Belton, Art Kearns, Sarah Kinlen, Ericka Roe, Anita Petry, Lorcan Cranitch, Tina Kellegher, Donking Rongavilla, Ger Carey, Damien Kearney. 

Note:  Rotten Tomatoes 92% with 77 critics 77% with 31 user ratings, Imdb 6.8* out of 10* with 561 reviews, Metacritic 71 out of 100 with 18 critics, Roger Ebert 3 1/2* Sheila O’Malley, decider.com Anna Menta stream it, Amazon 4.7* out of 5* with 180 reviews, Common Sense Media Kat Halstead, 4* out of 5*, age 15+, 5* positive messages, violence, language, 3* role models, consumersism, drinking, drugs & smoking.

Special Note:  Filmed in Ireland.  Nothing comes easy for Sandra, she has daily stress and obstacles.  She learns that there are people out there for her and willing to help her!!