Parents' Guide to Herself

From Phyllida Lloyd -- the director of Mamma Mia! and The Iron Lady -- comes this challenging yet inspirational drama about a woman struggling with a system stacked against her. Showing from the inside the frustrations of her situation, with endless forms and extensive waiting lists, Herself also allows central character Sandra a heartfelt monologue about the hypocrisy and patriarchy at the center of her battle -- a moment of rousing passion that comes after she is asked why she didn't leave her abusive husband sooner. "Ask better questions," she begins.

Though the story is often bleak, there are small victories throughout with so many people willing to show love and support that Sandra's world moves from feeling dark and oppressive to light and hopeful in an instant. There is a wonderful sense of warmth and camaraderie between Sandra and her two daughters (played convincingly and with impressive intricacy by Molly McCann and Ruby Rose O'Hara), as well as the ragtag team of builders she acquires to achieve her dream. There are more than a few hurdles along the way, but the film ends with an overriding feeling that Sandra has developed a sense of self-belief that means she will always get back up and take on the world fighting.