There are dozens of films that ask the question, “How far would a parent go to provide for their kids?” This simple premise results in a parent possibly doing something criminal to keep the family together. But in the film, “Herself,” a mother doesn’t want a million dollars or any harm to be done to her ex. Instead, all she wants is a tiny house to call her own.
READ MORE: ‘Herself’: A Delicately Empathetic Portrayal Of Rebuilding Your Self [Sundance Review]
As seen in the trailer for “Herself,” the film follows the story of a single mom that is escaping an abusive relationship and just wants to provide stability for her young kids. Her plan is to find a plot of land that isn’t being used and building a tiny house there. This is in contrast to the life she leads now with a dead-end job and living in and out of hotel rooms. But when bureaucracy gets in the way, the mother finds herself up against seemingly insurmountable odds in bringing this new chapter to life.
“Herself” is directed by Phyllida Lloyd, who is probably best known for helming the films “Mamma Mia!” and “The Iron Lady.” This new family drama stars Clare Dunne, Harriet Walter, Conleth Hill, Ian Lloyd Anderson, Ruby Rose O’Hara, and Molly McCann. Interestingly, Dunne also serves as co-writer of the feature alongside Malcolm Campbell.
“Herself” debuts in theaters on December 30 and on Amazon Prime Video on January 8. You can watch the trailer below.
Here’s the synopsis:
Single mother Sandra (Clare Dunne) escapes her abusive partner with her two young children, only to find herself trapped in temporary accommodation. After months of struggling, she draws inspiration from one of her daughter’s bedtime stories and hits upon the idea of self-building an affordable home. She finds an architect who provides her with plans and is offered land by Peggy (Harriet Walter), a woman she cleans for. Aido (Conleth Hill), a building contractor, appears willing to help, too. But as her past rears its head in the form of Gary (Ian Lloyd Anderson), her possessive ex, and as bureaucrats fight back against her independent spirit, will Sandra be able to rebuild her life from the ground up?