Movie Review: Sherrybaby

Maggie Gyllenhaal strikes me as a person that is interested in pursuing interesting and important work, art rather than commerce. Films such as the Secretary, Stranger that Fiction and even in her role in Mona Lisa Smile (her most mainstream appearance?) point me to that conclusion. These are not blockbuster extravaganza type diva roles. Rather they are heartfelt parts that get to the guts of how people tick. I don't know anyone like Sherry, but I know they exist, and I think the introduction to her world is important, shocking and sad as it is.

I'm trying to understand how God fits into this story. There are passing references to him, in the prayer/wishful thinking of the AA meetings, and there is even a scene where Sherry clearly prays, but these are pretty minor references in such a, well, gruesome story. And I have to start to think that maybe that's the point. I can't tell if that's the creators' intention here, but this film seems to examine a godless existence where a dependence on drugs, sex and even family seem to be surrogate answers to fill the longing in humans for Him. So many things are attractive bait to slefdestructive snares. Every element of life is perverted in this film, to the point where, I have to imagine, it pretty accurately reflects reality. The redemption in this story is so tremulous and feeble that it also, to me, mirrors a reality without Christ.

How they got that kid to come on board, and make such a coherent impact here, I don't think I'll ever know. I would honestly love to talk to her in about 5-10 years and see how she remembers this whole experience. She fits so well, her moods so in sync with what's happening (and needed) onscreen, that is was actually pulled out to contemplate it. I had to keep reminding myself that this is a work of fiction. I think, obviously, huge credit goes to Maggie for be able to so perfectly “be there” that she could so acutely work with everything that little girl gave.

It's a dark movie, no question, but there are elements that make this a very worthy effort, and for those who are either in it and haven't recognised yet it, or for those who will never see its world firsthand, Sherrybaby is for you.