Help

2021

1h 38m

Drama

List

100%

Tomatometer

15 Reviews

91%

Audience Score

50+ Ratings

Sarah (Jodie Comer) is smart, but she's never fitted in, not in education and not in work. Her family told her she'd never amount to anything but she unexpectedly finds her calling as a carer at Bright Sky Homes. Sarah has a special talent for connecting with the residents, including one in particular, 47-year-old Tony (Stephen Graham). Tony's Young Onset Alzheimer's has left him living out his days in care as his mind slowly deteriorates. His illness causes periods of confusion and violent outbursts, which the other members of staff can't handle, but with Sarah he begins to build a real bond. Sarah's success at managing Tony and the other patients helps build her confidence and restore her self-belief. Then March 2020 hits and everything Sarah has achieved is thrown into doubt with the arrival of the Coronavirus pandemic. She and her colleagues tirelessly fight tooth and nail, ill-equipped, poorly prepared, and seemingly left helpless by the powers that be. A determined Sarah goes to extraordinary lengths to protect those in her care, whose conditions make their suffering and isolation all the more traumatic. But the staff's unwavering commitment, compassion and heroic efforts can only do so much, and Sarah is pushed into a dark corner and desperately looks for a way out.

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Steve Greene

indieWire

For a fictional telling with so much emotional volatility, finding performers who can manage that heavy, delicate lifting is a key task. Fortunately, Help has twin pillars in the form of Jodie Comer and Stephen Graham

Feb 2, 2022

Full Review

Brad Newsome

Sydney Morning Herald

Deeply affecting and instantly recognisable to anyone who knows our own understaffed aged-care.

Oct 28, 2021

Full Review

Anita Singh

Daily Telegraph (UK)

The centrepiece was a virtuoso piece of directing from Marc Munden that followed Sarah over one hellish night shift. It is shot in the style of a horror film, as one continuous take.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 20, 2021

Full Review

Rebecca Johnson

Film Focus Online

The performances are some of the best of the year, the topic is of high importance and the script does a fantastic job in creating an entertaining movie that packs a punch and makes us appreciate our front line staff even more.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 27, 2023

Full Review

James Croot

Stuff.co.nz

If you’ve only ever seen Jodie Comer as Killing Eve’s villainous Villanelle, then prepare to be gobsmacked by her latest turn.

May 25, 2022

Full Review

Matt Roush

TV Insider

A harrowing drama reliving the pandemic's first wave as seen from within an ill-equipped and understaffed British nursing home.

Feb 15, 2022

Full Review

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IVIR 8

The last of Jodie Comer’s filmography that I haven’t seen, and I’ve chosen the saddest one to watch last. Just a moving and gripping performance by her and Stephen Graham. She bolsters what makes her my favorite actress of all time. The versatility mixed with her range on display was incredible.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/03/24

Full Review

paul o

Brilliant acting by Jodie Comer and Stephen Graham. Brought back memories of NHS patients being discharged into Care Homes without being tested for Covid.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/18/23

Full Review

Savannah G

Jodie Comer. I think that's all that needs to be said. Some parts were over-dramatic. Still, that highlighted the craziness and unhinged feeling that everyone, especially the frontline workers, felt during this time of uncertainty. This group of actors was terrific. Some of my favorite British actors are all in one. Stephan Graham is phenomenal, and his work is lovely. But Jodie will always have your heart and take you to the brink of her performance! Truly amazing.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/30/23

Full Review

Wayne M

Help is a superbly acted, deeply effective film about the strength of human connection. It's a COVID film but a COVID film you should not ignore. Sarah struggles to put her life in order but when she finds a job at a nursing home near Liverpool she finds a purpose. Soon she finds a connection with Tony. Tony is only 47 but has early onset Alzheimers. He struggles from day to day but connects greatly with Sarah. But when the pandemic hits in March 2020 their lives are turned upside down. Uncertainty turns to panic, then turns to tragedy when death hits the home. Sarah and Tony both face massive life challenges. This film is beautifully handled and the lead performances are superb. Jodie Comer and Stephen Graham shine in demanding roles. A small film but a quietly great one.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/17/23

Full Review

Dana H

A deeply honest and raw portrayal of an often forgotten segment of our world. The direction and performances are such that little to no introduction is needed of the characters for us to "get" and identify with the lives they are living. Comer is outstanding as the over-looked young person finding a calling in an over-looked occupation giving love and care to other over-looked people. The mood is simple and stripped down but also poignant and full of gravity.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/16/23

Full Review

Rachel M

A very raw, emotional look at what covid was like in the aged and care homes. The very real trauma the carers, doctors and nurses faced to look after us all. Jodie Comer and Stephen Graham were beyond exception. A must watch!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/01/23

Full Review

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Marc Munden

Director

Jodie Comer

Sarah

Stephen Graham

Tony

Ian Hart

Steve

Angela Griffin

Tori

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Synopsis

Sarah (Jodie Comer) is smart, but she's never fitted in, not in education and not in work. Her family told her she'd never amount to anything but she unexpectedly finds her calling as a carer at Bright Sky Homes. Sarah has a special talent for connecting with the residents, including one in particular, 47-year-old Tony (Stephen Graham). Tony's Young Onset Alzheimer's has left him living out his days in care as his mind slowly deteriorates. His illness causes periods of confusion and violent outbursts, which the other members of staff can't handle, but with Sarah he begins to build a real bond. Sarah's success at managing Tony and the other patients helps build her confidence and restore her self-belief. Then March 2020 hits and everything Sarah has achieved is thrown into doubt with the arrival of the Coronavirus pandemic. She and her colleagues tirelessly fight tooth and nail, ill-equipped, poorly prepared, and seemingly left helpless by the powers that be. A determined Sarah goes to extraordinary lengths to protect those in her care, whose conditions make their suffering and isolation all the more traumatic. But the staff's unwavering commitment, compassion and heroic efforts can only do so much, and Sarah is pushed into a dark corner and desperately looks for a way out.

Director: Marc Munden
Producer: Jenny Frayn
Screenwriter: Jack Thorne
Production Co: Channel 4 Television Corporation
Genre: Drama
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 31, 2022
Runtime: 1h 38m
Aspect Ratio: HDTV

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