Vera Drake

Vera Drake

Year: 2004

Runtime: 125 min

Language: English

Director: Mike Leigh

DramaCrime

In 1950s England, Vera Drake appears to be a kind and loving wife and mother. However, she harbors a secret: she provides a discreet and supportive service for women unable to access legal abortions. When her clandestine activities are threatened with exposure, Vera's quiet existence is shattered, forcing her family and community to confront difficult moral questions and examine the complexities of love and compassion in a restrictive era.

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Timeline – Vera Drake (2004)

Trace every key event in Vera Drake (2004) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Vera's Family Life

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.

2

Ethel and Sid's Struggles

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.

3

Stanley's Mechanics Job

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.

4

Vera's Secret

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.

5

Lily's Involvement

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.

6

Introduction of Susan

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.

7

Susan's Search for Help

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.

8

Manipulation by the Psychiatrist

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.

9

Financial Context

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.

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10

Societal Pressures

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.

11

Climactic Revelations

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.

12

Impact on Family Dynamics

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.

13

Legal Consequences

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.

14

Aftermath and Reflection

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.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 20:17

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Vera Drake Summary

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Vera Drake Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Vera Drake

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Vera Drake

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