If nothing else, "Sherrybaby" is a fine vehicle for the talented Maggie Gyllenhaal, who's memorable in the role of a (supposedly) recovered drug addict and former jailbird who's now out on parole. Sherry is released into a society where she often feels ill equipped to cope, and does the best she can, even if that means giving a man a sexual favour in return for a good job prospect. Key to the success of the film is certainly Gyllenhaal. Sherry may not always be terribly sympathetic, but you do root for her to a certain extent due mainly to Gyllenhaals' riveting, realistic performance.
Sherry finds that life outside prison walls is hard to get used to. Her daughter Alexis (adorable Ryan Simpkins) is now being raised by her brother Bobby (Brad William Henke) and his wife Lynette (Bridget Barkan). Sherry finds that reconnecting with her little girl is difficult as Alexis sees her mom as practically a stranger and Lynette actually encourages the child to address Sherry by her name and not as "Mommy". These and other circumstances are now things that Sherry must deal with as she readjusts to "normal" life.
Writer / director Laurie Collyer refrains from ever getting *too* maudlin or melodramatic, which does help matters. Overall the story is not completely satisfying - too much remains to be dealt with - but at least we do get a sense by the conclusion that Sherry is going to be making more of an honest effort from now on. Gyllenhaal is very well supported by a strong cast that also includes Giancarlo Esposito as a tough parole officer, Sam Bottoms as Sherry's father, Kate Burton as the fathers' wife, and Danny Trejo, veteran of bad ass roles, who shows more sensitivity and depth in a change of pace part.
Overall, a reasonably engaging indie drama that does have its heart in the right place.
Seven out of 10.
Sherry finds that life outside prison walls is hard to get used to. Her daughter Alexis (adorable Ryan Simpkins) is now being raised by her brother Bobby (Brad William Henke) and his wife Lynette (Bridget Barkan). Sherry finds that reconnecting with her little girl is difficult as Alexis sees her mom as practically a stranger and Lynette actually encourages the child to address Sherry by her name and not as "Mommy". These and other circumstances are now things that Sherry must deal with as she readjusts to "normal" life.
Writer / director Laurie Collyer refrains from ever getting *too* maudlin or melodramatic, which does help matters. Overall the story is not completely satisfying - too much remains to be dealt with - but at least we do get a sense by the conclusion that Sherry is going to be making more of an honest effort from now on. Gyllenhaal is very well supported by a strong cast that also includes Giancarlo Esposito as a tough parole officer, Sam Bottoms as Sherry's father, Kate Burton as the fathers' wife, and Danny Trejo, veteran of bad ass roles, who shows more sensitivity and depth in a change of pace part.
Overall, a reasonably engaging indie drama that does have its heart in the right place.
Seven out of 10.