Watch Everyday

Everyday is a 2012 British drama film directed by Michael Winterbottom. The film explores the life of a family separated due to prison time served by the father. The film stars Shirley Henderson, John Simm, Shaun Kirk, and a cast of largely unknown actors. The film centers around Karen (Henderson) and Ian (Simm), a couple with four young children, who are forced to adapt to a new way of life when Ian is sentenced to serve several years in prison. The couple had been living off of Ian's income, and now Karen must take on the responsibilities of both parents. The film covers a period of five years, showing the changes occurring in the family over time. Although the film begins with Ian's sentencing, the majority of the story focuses on Karen and the children as they go through their daily routines, struggling to cope with Ian's absence. The film tries to explore the themes of love, absence, sacrifice, and family values through the story. The story starts with an emotional goodbye scene when Ian is leaving for prison. Karen, their four children, and Ian share a last meal together before the couple says their goodbyes. From then onwards, the film presents individual scenes from the family's everyday life, which may seem ordinary but demonstrate their challenges following Ian's imprisonment. For example, there are scenes where Karen is juggling her job along with housework and taking care of her demanding children. There are also scenes that depict how the children are growing up without their father's guidance and care. The film does not try to emphasize any particular character since it focuses on the family collectively. Each scene shows how the individual members of the family are struggling, often silently, without understanding each other's emotions. However, as the days go, they are seen to grow and evolve, creating a sense of togetherness. The film's acting was highly appreciated, and the performances given by Henderson, Simm, and Kirk were especially noteworthy. Shirley Henderson, who depicts the mother Karen, had a remarkable performance where she exhibits the character's emotions and struggles vividly, making the audience empathize with her. John Simm, who portrays Ian, brings out the sense of isolation he feels and the sadness he experiences at missing out on his children's growth. Shaun Kirk, who depicts the eldest son of the family, portrays his anger and rebellion that arose due to the absence of his father. The film creates a deep sense of empathy as it explores the effects of separation, imprisonment, and family responsibility. Despite the lack of dialogue or any significant plot changes, the film shows the gradual process of each individual's growth and the overall evolution of the family as a whole. One notable aspect of the film is its naturalistic aesthetic. Every shot in the film portrays an atmosphere of authenticity and simplicity, creating an immersive experience that allows the viewer to pour into the characters' experiences. The naturalistic visuals intensify the emotions in every scene, conveying the small moments of joy, laughter, and pain more distinctly. In conclusion, "Everyday" is a film that tells a story of the resilience of family members after facing unforeseeable challenges. The plot constructively portrays the consequences of imprisonment, absence, and emotional distance on family members, focusing on everyday life routines as they adjust to their new lives. The movie celebrates the strength of the family unit and emphasizes that every day, small actions and choices shape a family's history.