Language: English
Cast: Maggie Gyllenhaal (Sherry Swanson), Brad William Henke (Bobby Swanson), Giancarlo Esposito (Parole Officer Hernandez), Sam Bottoms (Bob Swanson Sr.), Danny Trejo (Dean Walker).
Producer: Marc Turtletaub and Lemore Syvan
Director: Laurie Collyer
Writing credits: Laurie Collyer
Release Date: September 8, 2006
Production House: IFC Films
Running Time: 96 minutes
Rating: not rated

Review

A film which premiered at the Sundance film festival earlier this year, ‘Sherry Baby’ has a hauntingly real feel to it. Shot digitally writer/director Laurie Collyer orchestrates a story that has grim overtones showing the daily struggles of ex-convict and heroin addict Sherry’s rehabilitation. As she try’s to become a useful member of society after her 3 year stint in the slammer, Sherry has to deal with the mundane even as she battles her addiction.

Sherry has to find employment, pacify her parole officer and relate to her young daughter while re-adjusting to her family – a father and a brother whose wife has become Sherry’s daughter’s mother figure. The beacon in this tale of redemption is the character Dean Walker, played with subtle verve by Danny Trejo. Watkins is a fully rehabilitated former addict and ex-con who helps Sherry find the way.

The beauty of the film and the characters are their sheer normalness. The effortless acting that brings forth the portrayal of the typical troubled and dysfunctional “family” next door! A cathartic film that is the typical modern day tragic – tale.