Vera Drake

Vera Drake dedicates her life to taking care of her immediate family, including her husband, children, elderly mother, and a sick neighbor. Despite their modest means, Vera's strong familial bonds provide them with resilience and support.

Vera's daughter Ethel works hard in a factory, contributing to the family's financial struggles. Meanwhile, her son Sid is busy tailoring men's suits, both of which highlight the economic challenges faced by the family in post-war Britain.

Stanley, Vera's husband, works as a car mechanic to provide for the family. His job represents the typical working-class struggle in the 1950s, as they attempt to make ends meet and maintain their family unity.

Unknown to her family, Vera secretly performs illegal abortions as a backroom abortionist. Driven by compassion, she offers her services for free, believing she is helping women in need without realizing the moral and legal implications of her actions.

Vera’s partner, Lily, secretly profits from Vera's abortion services. Unlike Vera, who acts out of a desire to help, Lily operates within the black market, illustrating the darker aspects of their clandestine operation.

Susan, the daughter of one of Vera's employers, is introduced as a critical character. After a traumatic incident of rape, Susan's life is thrown into turmoil, and she finds herself dealing with an unwanted pregnancy.

Desperate for assistance, Susan seeks help from a friend to find a doctor who can perform an abortion. Her journey highlights the desperate situation many women faced in a society that offered little support or understanding for their plight.

A psychiatrist takes advantage of Susan's vulnerability. By manipulating her responses during their interactions, he ensures that he can recommend an abortion, cruelly exploiting her despair for his own agenda.

The film reflects on the financial ramifications surrounding abortion during the era. Two guineas, which may appear trivial today, equated to £48 in 2005, revealing the significant economic burden on women seeking such services.

As the characters navigate their struggles, the film explores the societal pressures that compel women like Susan to seek illegal abortions. These pressures often stem from stigmas surrounding unwanted pregnancies and lack of accessible reproductive healthcare.

As the narrative progresses, the consequences of Vera's actions begin to unravel. The tension rises as her secretive life as an abortionist threatens to collide with her cherished family existence, leading to inevitable conflict.

The revelation of Vera's clandestine activities will strain her family dynamics, putting her loved ones in a position of emotional turmoil. This event ultimately leads to a dramatic confrontation that tests the very fabric of their familial bonds.

The film culminates in Vera facing legal repercussions for her actions. The legal implications serve as a stark reminder of the societal attitudes towards women's rights and reproductive choices during the period.

Following the catastrophic events, Vera and her family must confront the consequences of their choices. The closing scenes reflect a somber reality, highlighting the moral complexities of their lives and the era’s attitudes towards abortion.