Watch Care

Care is a poignant drama film that follows the heartbreaking journey of a single mother named Jenny (Sheridan Smith) living in Liverpool, who must care for her mother, Mary (Alison Steadman), who suffers from dementia. When Mary's condition worsens, Jenny is forced to make some difficult decisions that will impact her family's future and her own personal life.

The film opens with a glimpse into the lives of Jenny and her two daughters, Mary's granddaughters. Mary is living alone in her home, which is getting increasingly dangerous for her as she forgets things and wanders off. On one occasion, Mary leaves the gas on and almost sets the house on fire. Jenny realizes that Mary needs more help than they can provide, and she makes the tough decision to find her a place in a nursing home.

As Mary settles into her new surroundings, Jenny is left feeling frustrated and guilty. Seeing her mother slip away from her, she feels powerless and tries to find ways to help her mother while at the same time navigating her own life as a single mother, balancing work and caring for her family.

The film deftly depicts the complex feelings and emotions that come with caring for someone with dementia. Jenny is seen going through a gamut of emotions, from frustration and anger to love and tenderness. She feels like she is losing her mother piece by piece, and it's heartbreaking to watch her struggle to come to terms with this reality.

Throughout the film, Jenny's relationships with those around her are tested. Her eldest daughter, Kelly, schools Jenny on the importance of self-care, a concept which Jenny struggles to accept as she's so focused on her mother's well-being. Her relationship with her sister, Claire, is strained, as they have different views about how best to care for Mary. But the tender moments between Jenny and Mary are the most emotional of all. Mary may not always recognize her daughter, but Jenny never stops trying to connect with her mother, even if it's just for a few fleeting moments.

One of the film's greatest strengths is in the performances of Sheridan Smith and Alison Steadman, both of whom deliver powerful and nuanced portrayals of their respective characters. Sheridan Smith is riveting in her portrayal of Jenny – her range of emotions is palpable, and she brings a raw authenticity to the role. Alison Steadman is amazing as Mary; she embodies the confusion, vulnerability, and helplessness that come with dementia, and it's easy to see why Jenny feels so protective of her mother.

The film beautifully captures the little moments that make up a caregiver's experience – from sitting with Mary as she eats her meals to the quieter moments when Jenny is alone with her thoughts. Care shows how even the most selfless acts of caregiving can be isolating, and it doesn't shy away from portraying the toll that this responsibility can take on one's mental and emotional health.

The film is directed by David Blair and written by Jimmy McGovern and Gillian Juckes. The trio creates a story that is both emotionally honest and sensitively handled. The film's pacing is measured but never boring, and the story unfolds in a way that feels authentic and true to life.

In conclusion, Care is a powerful film that offers a clear-eyed and deeply empathetic depiction of the complexities of caring for a loved one with dementia. The glowing performances by Sheridan Smith and Alison Steadman anchor the film, and the story itself rings true in every scene. Care is a film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll, and it's one that is well worth watching.

Care is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 89 hours.