SherryBaby

Sherry Swanson arrives at Genesis House, a sanctuary for women who have recently been paroled from prison. Having served a three-year sentence for robbery fueled by her heroin addiction, she faces the daunting task of rebuilding her life.

As Sherry adapts to her new environment, she grapples with her past and the daily routines at Genesis House. She shares a payphone with other residents and navigates the challenges of recovery while reflecting on her previous life.

In her struggle for recovery, Sherry begins to manipulate her surroundings, seducing Andy, the house manager, to gain favor. Her desperation drives her to take extreme measures, including using her body to secure a job at a daycare center.

During her time at Genesis, Sherry finds an unexpected ally in Dean, a fellow recovery group member. He encourages her to confront the memories of her past, particularly the bar she frequented as a minor, providing her with a sense of connection and understanding.

Sherry's desire to be a good mother to her daughter, Alexis, becomes a focal point in her recovery journey. Alexis, who has been raised by Sherry's brother Bobby and sister-in-law Lynette, struggles with confusion about her mother's return.

Tensions peak when Lynette discourages Alexis from calling Sherry 'mother,' complicating Sherry's attempts to reconnect. Sherry feels increasingly isolated as familial bonds begin to fray, centering her in a challenging emotional landscape.

After a clash with another resident at Genesis House, Sherry decides to move in with her brother Bobby and Lynette. This decision leads her deeper into family dynamics filled with conflict and misunderstanding as she seeks acceptance.

During a visit from her father, Sherry tries to win family approval by singing 'Eternal Flame.' However, as her father's focus shifts to Alexis, the tension escalates, showcasing the emotional distance Sherry feels from her family.

A turning point occurs when Alexis reveals that Lynette insists on calling her 'Sherry' instead of 'mother.' This revelation leads to a poignant conflict between mother and daughter, deepening Sherry's emotional struggles.

After leaving Genesis, Sherry finds herself in a motel where she unexpectedly encounters her parole officer, Hernandez. The encounter serves as a harsh reminder of her precarious situation, pushing her to confront the possibility of returning to prison.

As Sherry grapples with her choices, she is forced to confront her daily struggles between embracing recovery or succumbing to her past. Each day presents a new battle that weighs heavily on her determination to change her life.

Sherry's attempts to build a relationship with Alexis are put to the test during a birthday party that she was unaware of. Feeling neglected, Sherry's emotional turmoil leads her into darker paths as she wrestles with feelings of betrayal.

After her setback, Sherry reconnects with Dean, who introduces her to a healing ritual aimed at aiding her recovery. This moment highlights her internal struggle between the comfort of addiction and the hope of reclaiming her life.

As the weekend approaches, Sherry faces a critical choice between detox and the potential return to prison. This moment serves as a metaphor for her larger battle against addiction and her desire to be a part of her daughter's life.

In a heart-wrenching conclusion, Sherry confronts her failures as a mother during an emotional lunch with Bobby. Ultimately, she decides to drive away, leaving behind the life she yearned to reclaim, symbolizing a complex mix of hope and despair.