Directed by Laurie Collyer | Written by Laurie Collyer | Starring Maggie Gyllenhaal, Giancarlo Esposito, Danny Trejo, Brian William Henke
Distributed by IFC Films | Running Time: 96 minutes

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Film Review by Daphne Laura
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This film explores the journey of one woman to find her place in this world amidst several difficult but very realistic challenges. Sherry Swanson is a single mother recently released after 3 years in prison for drug-related offenses. Her ultimate concern is to reconnect with her young daughter, Alexis. The child, who lives with Sherry's brother Bobby and his wife Lynnette, is too young to remember her and is often manipulated to call her Sherry instead of "Mommy".

A film set in very basic surroundings with minimal effects, its simplistic approach belies the heavy human drama it aims to expose. We witness the various emotional upheavals that Sherry struggles to overcome. We cheer her on as she connects with her daughter. We cringe at the way that she handles her job interviews. We are repulsed by the manner in which Sherry's father treats her. We pity her when she unravels after she discovers certain disturbing facts. Yet amidst such dramatic moments, we don't judge her for her shortcomings and her failures in life.

Maggie Gyllenhaal's effortless portrayal of Sherry plays a big part in why we the audience are so forgiving towards Sherry. Her acting is superb. Her facial expressions and body gestures convincingly convey a wide range of emotions sans the usual hysterics. She delivers her lines in clear tones. Her complicated character evolves and grows both physically and mentally as the film unfolds. In the beginning, she is this vulnerable ex-convict in tacky clothes trying to redeem herself. In an effort to assume a more responsible role both as a person and as a mother, she adopts a more mature appearance. Deep inside she also comes to grips with the fact that she is only human. Maggie's realistic and effective performance makes us understand where Sherry is coming from. Her troubled childhood, her murky past, her vulnerability and most of all, her desperate attempts, against all odds, to be a good mother.


Certain scenes are disturbing to watch but the director doesn't shield us from the ugliness of life. The painful struggles that a complex character like Sherry needs to experience to succeed as a mother and most of all as an individual are presented within the folds of a clear and steady plot. Ably supported by other less-known but nonetheless effective actors, this independent film certainly proves that Maggie Gyllenhaal is on her way to establishing herself as a talented (but underrated) actress.


A poignantly realistic film about one woman's inspiring journey to make her life more meaningful. It doesn't aim to preach nor does it justify her actions. It simply tells her story, period.

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Comments (3)

What an actress!

Maggie Gyllenhaal shines in this movie. It was a difficult role, one that requires quite a lot from the actress. She certainly delivers! What a performance!

Admin , June 17, 2007

One of the best indie actresses out ther

Daphne Laura, that was an awesome review on this movie....thanks so much! You explained the movie so beautifully and eloquently.

Maggie Gyllenhaal is one of the top indie actresses out there today, and quite true, she often is underrated. She certainly deserved her Golden Globe nom for this movie as well.

I so want to see this movie, but haven't had the chance yet. It is certainly on the top of my list of movies to see because, 1) I'm a fan of Maggie's as a person and actress, and 2) I usually go for this type of movie. This certainly sounds like a very good indie movie!

I believe I read on the SherryBaby website, where the director mentioned that Maggie's character was loosely based on a childhood best friend she had, who took a similar path in life as SherryBaby I believe.

What is also so great about this small little indie movie, is how people fell in love with it. I heard Maggie be interviewed, and this certainly was a low budget film because she happen to mention in her interview that she changed clothes and outfits during filming, in a Burger King restroom! Maggie certainly didn't have any special perks during filming, but I heard her say she just fell in love with the character.

A poignantly realistic film about one woman's inspiring journey to make her life more meaningful. It doesn't aim to preach nor does it justify her actions. It simply tells her story, period.

I really like that closing statement you gave....Those are the best stories, when its merely presented to us, without preaching or judgements. Awesome!

It's so nice to see Maggie have such a passion for indie movies especially. She is one actress I will follow, and wish her much success.

Jan , June 20, 2007

Interesting tidbits about Maggie Gyllenh

Thanks Jan

That was interesting to learn that Maggie had to change her wardrobe in a Burger King restroom. She didn't really have much going on in terms of her outfits as her character Sherry wasn't really a stylish person. But her character was quite endearing to watch especially since Maggie portrayed her very well.

Daphne Laura , June 20, 2007

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