Help

Help is a gripping and emotive British drama movie from 2021 that stars the incredibly talented Jodie Comer, widely known for her outstanding work in "Killing Eve," and the versatile Stephen Graham, renowned for his credible acting in "Line of Duty" and "The North Water". The supporting stellar ensemble is led by Lesley Sharp, famous for her unforgettable roles in iconic television shows.

Set against the backdrop of the northern English city of Liverpool, Help provides a harrowing and heart-breaking portrayal of the tumultuous events transpired due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the UK in 2020. It carefully considers the dichotomy between the vulnerability of frontline workers and the vulnerable patients they're supposed to protect.

Jodie Comer gives another captivating performance as Sarah, a young woman working in a care home, who's trapped in a fast-moving epidemic scenario. Sarah is outgoing, witty, and personable, possessing a youthful enthusiasm that is slowly corroded by the ensuing events in her life. Despite being ill-equipped and poorly prepared, she is thrust into the frontline battle against the pandemic.

Comer’s character Sarah shares a special bond with Tony, a 47-year-old man suffering from Young Onset Alzheimer’s, played excellently by Stephen Graham. Tony is a loving and warm character who radiates happiness despite his debilitating condition. The relationship between Sarah and Tony is developed beautifully throughout the narrative, cementing the emotional core of the film.

Graham’s performance is poignant and impactful, seamlessly portraying Tony’s progression from a charming and fully sentient man to someone increasingly lost within himself. On the other hand, Comer's character battles the situation and the system in an attempt to provide care and support, despite the hurdles it puts against her. Their interaction beautifully encapsulates the tensions between the caregiver and the cared-for.

Lesley Sharp adds her significant talent to the mix, providing a stalwart support system to this overall incredible story. Her character is multi-layered, bringing a distinct element to the plot that grounds the narrative and connects the overall picture of the story.

Help not only reflects on the lives affected directly by the pandemic but delves deeper into the compounded structural issues contributing to the crisis. It sews an absorbing narrative of individual and collective struggles, incisively probing the moral questions around duty of care and human empathy in the face of adversity. The screenplay is unvarnished and well-structured, balancing moments of intense realism with delicate human drama.

Framed by the powerful direction, the movie is an effective exploration of the gaping holes in England's care service exposed by the onslaught of the pandemic. It vividly captures the spiraling crisis, the intermingling fear, uncertainty and camaraderie, while exposing the societal ills that allowed the tragedy to unfold.

Technically, the film is a marvel. The cinematography is stark and intimate, bleeding into the atmosphere of the narrative. The sound design is meticulous, where even silence plays a role, amplifying the gravity of the situation. The music is haunting, veering away from manipulation and underscoring the spectrum of emotion that courses through the story.

Despite delving into the dark underbelly of the pandemic-era care system, Help is essentially a story of resilience and human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds. It portrays the courage and vigor of the care providers who, despite being poorly equipped, strive to uphold the dignity and life quality of the ones they care for.

In essence, Help unflinchingly lays bare the crisis unfolding inside care homes during COVID-19, vividly capturing the struggle of front-line workers and patients alike. Amarillo's dramatic profile is gracefully eased by Comer's mesmerizing performance, Graham's profound pathos, and Sharp's potent characterization—making it a compelling watch that's going to linger in the minds of the audience for a long time. It is a must-watch for anyone in search of a poignant and thought-provoking narrative on humanity, struggle, and compassion.