juneebuggy Wow, Maggie Gyllenhaal is absolutely brilliant in this as an ex-junkie who upon release from jail tries to turn her life around and get custody of her young daughter that barely knows her.Sherrybaby is a gritty, unflinching indie film that surprised me. For the most part its an emotional character study, with interesting hints of abuse from the father and all-round messed up family relationships.But there are just so many layers to this movie that wouldn't have been visible without Maggie G's stellar performance. I also enjoyed seeing another side of Danny Trejo who doesn't just "machete" stuff, he can really act. Always good to see Giancarlo Esposito from (Breaking Bad) as well. 10.13

Scott LeBrun If nothing else, "Sherrybaby" is a fine vehicle for the talented Maggie Gyllenhaal, who's memorable in the role of a (supposedly) recovered drug addict and former jailbird who's now out on parole. Sherry is released into a society where she often feels ill equipped to cope, and does the best she can, even if that means giving a man a sexual favour in return for a good job prospect. Key to the success of the film is certainly Gyllenhaal. Sherry may not always be terribly sympathetic, but you do root for her to a certain extent due mainly to Gyllenhaals' riveting, realistic performance.Sherry finds that life outside prison walls is hard to get used to. Her daughter Alexis (adorable Ryan Simpkins) is now being raised by her brother Bobby (Brad William Henke) and his wife Lynette (Bridget Barkan). Sherry finds that reconnecting with her little girl is difficult as Alexis sees her mom as practically a stranger and Lynette actually encourages the child to address Sherry by her name and not as "Mommy". These and other circumstances are now things that Sherry must deal with as she readjusts to "normal" life.Writer / director Laurie Collyer refrains from ever getting *too* maudlin or melodramatic, which does help matters. Overall the story is not completely satisfying - too much remains to be dealt with - but at least we do get a sense by the conclusion that Sherry is going to be making more of an honest effort from now on. Gyllenhaal is very well supported by a strong cast that also includes Giancarlo Esposito as a tough parole officer, Sam Bottoms as Sherry's father, Kate Burton as the fathers' wife, and Danny Trejo, veteran of bad ass roles, who shows more sensitivity and depth in a change of pace part.Overall, a reasonably engaging indie drama that does have its heart in the right place.Seven out of 10.

Woodyanders Tragic and troubled recovering drug addict and former convict Sherry Swanson (a remarkably brave, touching, and fearless performance by Maggie Gyllenhaal) attempts to get her life back on track and reconnect with her estranged daughter Alexis (a fine and moving portrayal by Ryan Simpkins) after being released from prison. Writer/director Laurie Collyer maintains a tough, gritty, and resolutely unsentimental tone throughout, firmly grounds the seamy story in a plausibly sordid everyday reality, brings a surprising sexual frankness to the edgy material, and wrings plenty of wrenching poignancy in an unforced and organic manner. Moreover, Collyer warrants additional praise for not only handling an upsetting incest subplot with admirable taste and subtlety, but also for not offering any pat answers or simple solutions to the harsh issues addressed in the narrative (indeed, this movie astutely captures the bitter messiness of untidy real life). Gyllenhaal holds the whole picture together with her astonishingly potent and heartbreaking characterization of a deeply flawed, yet still sympathetic protagonist. It's also a definite treat to see Danny Trejo display a rare gentle and sensitive side as basically decent and tender ex-junkie Dean Walker. This movie further benefits from sterling contributions from Brad William Henke as Sherry's caring and supportive brother Bobby, Sam Bottoms as Sherry's loathsome sexually abusive father Bob Sr., Giancarlo Esposito as hard-nosed parole officer Hernandez, and Bridget Barkan as Bobby's disapproving wife Lynette. Russell Lee Fine's no-frills cinematography provides an appropriately naturalistic look. Jack Livesey's spare and obtrusive score likewise does the trick. An absolute powerhouse.

Desertman84 An emotionally stunted ex-convict whose recent release from prison finds her attempting to form a relationship with her young daughter finds that redemption doesn't come easy in this emotional family drama,Sherrybaby. It is the feature debut of award-winning documentary filmmaker Laurie Collyer. The movie stars Maggie Gyllenhaal in the title role together with Brad William Henke,Sam Bottoms,Kate Burton,Giancarlo Esposito and Danny Trejo.When Sherry Swanson was sentenced to three years in prison on a drug- related robbery conviction at the age of 22, she had just given birth to a daughter named Alexis. Placed in the care of Sherry's brother, Bobby, and sister-in-law, Lynette, while her mother was behind bars, young Alexis has grown into an affectionate young girl eager to reconnect with the mother she has never met. Though Sherry at first seems determined to stay on the straight and narrow, increasingly infrequent visits to Alexis and a troubling revelation about her family past soon begin to lead the protective Lynette to take a stand in protecting the vulnerable youngster. Later, when compassionate 12-step veteran Dean makes an effort to help Sherry become the mother she longs to be, the troubled ex-con is faced with the choice of truly living up to her word or potentially losing her daughter forever.This movie which is based on a true story, explodes with manic energy keeps you riveted through parts that might otherwise be difficult to watch.It is itself is a collection of emotional highs and mostly lows for Maggie Gyllenhaal, who elevates it all far above the slim story as she presents us with an indelible character study that will be seared into our minds for a long time to come and makes us care for her character after she gives a tour de force performance in the title role.Overall,it is a disturbing film that should not be missed.