logo

Help

Drama

RatingRatingRatingRatingRating5.0

DirectorMarc Munden

ProducerJenny Frayn

ScreenwriterJack Thorne

LanguageEnglish (United Kingdom)

Runtime1h 38m

Introduction

Sarah (Jodie Comer) is smart, but she's never fitted in, not in education and not in work. Her family told her she'd never amount to anything but she unexpectedly finds her calling as a carer at Bright Sky Homes. Sarah has a special talent for connecting with the residents, including one in particular, 47-year-old Tony (Stephen Graham). Tony's Young Onset Alzheimer's has left him living out his days in care as his mind slowly deteriorates. His illness causes periods of confusion and violent outbursts, which the other members of staff can't handle, but with Sarah he begins to build a real bond. Sarah's success at managing Tony and the other patients helps build her confidence and restore her self-belief. Then March 2020 hits and everything Sarah has achieved is thrown into doubt with the arrival of the Coronavirus pandemic. She and her colleagues tirelessly fight tooth and nail, ill-equipped, poorly prepared, and seemingly left helpless by the powers that be. A determined Sarah goes to extraordinary lengths to protect those in her care, whose conditions make their suffering and isolation all the more traumatic. But the staff's unwavering commitment, compassion and heroic efforts can only do so much, and Sarah is pushed into a dark corner and desperately looks for a way out.

Critics Reviews

Steve Greene4.8

346

Feb 2, 2022
"Help" delivers an emotional whirlwind, masterfully anchored by the exceptional performances of Jodie Comer and Stephen Graham. The story of Sarah, a caretaker forming a profound bond with Tony, a patient battling Young Onset Alzheimer's, is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. Their raw, powerful portrayals make the narrative of struggle and resilience amid the dawn of the Coronavirus pandemic deeply compelling. Comer's ability to project Sarah's growth and determination and Graham's nuanced depiction of Tony's mental decline are exceptional. This film vividly captures the unyielding commitment and compassion of caregivers in a time of crisis, making it a poignant watch.

Brad Newsome4.6

498

Oct 28, 2021
"Help" is a deeply affecting film, capturing the essence of the understaffed aged-care sector. Jodie Comer delivers a standout performance as Sarah, a smart yet underappreciated woman who finds her calling at Bright Sky Homes. Her bond with Tony, a Young Onset Alzheimer's patient played by Stephen Graham, is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The arrival of the Coronavirus pandemic throws Sarah's achievements into uncertainty, showcasing the tireless, ill-equipped efforts of care workers. The film poignantly highlights their unwavering commitment amidst tremendous challenges, making it instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with the struggles of aged-care facilities.
Help
100%