Molly (Posy Sterling), a young woman released from prison struggles to regain custody of her two children. With nowhere to live, her kids will not be returned to her. With no kids, she is only offered a one bedroom flat, and that also will not be considered suitable for three people. She starts to spiral, making bad decisions, but then she bumps into her childhood friend Amina (Idil Ahmed). Amina is living in a hostel with her daughter, so the two women join forces in an attempt to help each other.
Writer/director Daisy-May Hudson made an acclaimed documentary about homelessness, Half Way, a decade ago and now she examines the subject through a fictional story. It is powerful stuff and I defy anyone to watch a climatic court room scene without finding themselves fighting back the tears.
Hudson does not shy away from showing how flawed Molly is and how she does not help herself with her choices. But the system is stacked against her and, the often well meaning bureaucracy, stands in the way of common sense. Sterling is terrifically fierce and affecting, with Ahmed radiating warmth and kindness.
There are a couple of mis-steps, though, with one too many music/dance interludes and a reliance on coincidence resulting in Molly and Amina re-connecting.
60 years ago, Ken Loach’s TV drama about a homeless woman, Cathy Come Home, had a huge impact on British society and led to the charity Crisis being set up. Unfortunately, this low budget movie will not get the audience reach to do the same, but it should resonate with anyone who seeks it out.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10