Sherrybaby

Critics Consensus

Maggie Gyllenhaal delivers riveting performance as a recovering drug addict in a depressing and not entirely believable movie.

75%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 67

57%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 37,564
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Movie Info

An emotionally stunted ex-convict whose recent release from prison finds her attempting to form a relationship with her young daughter finds that redemption doesn't come easy in this emotional family drama, the feature debut of award-winning documentary filmmaker Laurie Collyer. When Sherry Swanson (Maggie Gyllenhaal) was sentenced to three years in prison on a drug-related robbery conviction at the age of 22, she had just given birth to a daughter named Alexis (Ryan Simpkins). Placed in the care of Sherry's brother, Bobby (Brad William Henke), and sister-in-law, Lynette (Bridget Barkan), while her mother was behind bars, young Alexis has grown into an affectionate young girl eager to reconnect with the mother she has never met. Though Sherry at first seems determined to stay on the straight and narrow, increasingly infrequent visits to Alexis and a troubling revelation about her family past soon begin to lead the protective Lynette to take a stand in protecting the vulnerable youngster. Later, when compassionate 12-step veteran Dean (Danny Trejo) makes an effort to help Sherry become the mother she longs to be, the troubled ex-con is faced with the choice of truly living up to her word or potentially losing her daughter forever. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
  • Rating:
    R (for strong sexuality, nudity, language and drug content)
  • Genre:
    Drama
  • Directed By:
    Laurie Collyer
  • Written By:
    Laurie Collyer
  • In Theaters:
     wide
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    IFC

Cast

Maggie Gyllenhaal
as Sherry Swanson
Giancarlo Esposito
as Parole Officer Hernandez
Bridget Barkan
as Lynette Swanson
Brad William Henke
as Bobby Swanson
Ryan Simpkins
as Alexis Parks
Kate Burton
as Marcia Swanson
Sam Bottoms
as Dad Swanson
Rio Hackford
as Andy Kelly
Danny Trejo
as Dean Walker
Caroline Clay
as Off. Murphy
Michelle Hurst
as Dorothy Wells
Stephen Peabody
as Mr. Monroe
Sandra Rodriguez
as Desi
Anna Simpson
as Sabrina
Steven G. Smith II
as Zak
Vivianne Bucher
as Genesis Woman
Helen Coxe
as Mother at Rest Stop
Peter Michael Dillon
as Birthday Party Boy
J.D. Jackson
as Job Trainer
Jayden Vargas
as Crying Child
Allie Woods Jr.
as Bus Driver
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Critic Reviews for Sherrybaby

All Critics (67) | Top Critics (24) | Fresh (50) | Rotten (17)

  • The film itself is a collection of emotional highs and mostly lows for Gyllenhaal, who elevates it all far above the slim story.

    Jan 26, 2007 | Rating: C+
    Denver Rocky Mountain News
    Top Critic

  • It's the movie for you if you liked the pessimistic street view of Half Nelson.

    Jan 26, 2007 | Rating: 2.5/4 | Full Review…

    Michael Booth

    Denver Post
    Top Critic

  • As an actress, Ms. Gyllenhaal seems to steer clear of any parts that seek to exploit an audience's weakness for conventionally happy endings. Her films are therefore always worth seeing.

    Oct 4, 2006

    Andrew Sarris

    Observer
    Top Critic

  • The wonder of Sherrybaby is that we can admire Sherry's exuberance and evident love of life -- and the extraordinary actress who portrays her -- without really being sure where she's going.

    Sep 20, 2006

    Andrew O'Hehir

    Salon.com
    Top Critic

  • Like its hyped-up heroine, Sherrybaby, based on a true story, explodes with manic energy that keeps you riveted through parts that might otherwise be difficult to watch.

    Sep 15, 2006 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

    Ruthe Stein

    San Francisco Chronicle
    Top Critic

  • Gyllenhaal presents us with an indelible character study that will be seared into our minds for a long time to come.

    Sep 15, 2006 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…

    Bill Zwecker

    Chicago Sun-Times
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (67)

Audience Reviews for Sherrybaby

  • Apr 29, 2012
    Recently released from prison, a woman tries to reclaim her place as a mother while still hankering for the drugs that put her behind bars. Maggie Gyllenhaal is exceptional, breathing humanity into a selfish and oftentimes clueless woman with a strong, subtle performance. Her scenes with her daughter are heart-breaking and charming, and her scenes with the various men in her life allow her to play both the victim and the rebel. She simply makes the film worth watching. However, I thought the plot involving Sherry's relationship with her father came too late in the film and didn't add anything to the audience's struggle to understanding her character. Also, Brad William Henke plays Bobby like a simple schlub, and maybe this is the way the character is written, but it's not a strong choice. Does he judge Sherry? Hate her? Pity her? Who knows? Maybe all of the above. And Giancarlo Esposito's Officer Hernandez is such a prick that we wonder why Sherry would ever trust him. Overall, Maggie Gyllenhaal is remarkable in <i>Sherrybaby</i>, but the film leaves much to be desired.
    Jim H Super Reviewer
  • Oct 12, 2010
    Doesn't offer much new in the realm of the recovering addict arena, but worth watching just for Maggie Gyllenhaal's knockout performance.
    Doctor S Super Reviewer
  • Jun 14, 2010
    This is about a woman named Sherry who has just been released from prison. She's a recovering addict, emotionally troubled, and it is hinted at that she's the victim of abuse at the hands of her father. The film follows Sherry as she tries to rebuild her life and start over, specifically in the area of patching up things with her family, most of her her young, estranged daughter. This film feels like it was tailor-made for Gyllenhaal, and that's definitely a good thing. She gives a finely observed and realistic performance that is moving and does a great job of hitting all the right notes without being too vacant or too over the top. She dominates things, but she doesn't carry the whole thing, though. She's got a terrific cast behind her, and they turn in some really good performances as well, especially Danny Trejo. It's nice seeing him play against type, and it adds more authenticity to the proceedings since he's playing a role that mirrors part of his own life and experiences. Another mention I'd like to make is Brad William Henke as Sherry's brother. That guy deserves more work andrecognition. The film is very much an indie, and it shows. It's got a nice sense of grit and realism, but not in a trashy or exploitative way. It's honest, emotional, and sometimes rather painful, but it's well done and pretty real. My only real gripe is that they could have dealt with the father issues a little more, and handled it in a slightly more satisfactory way. Aside from that, this is a really good drama about redemption and hope.
    Chris W Super Reviewer
  • Feb 01, 2010
    No one makes it alone. Good movie! Maggie Gyllenhaal really carried this film on a very uncomfortable film to watch. The story was very good but difficult to watch in a way because of the main idea of a recovering mother trying to reach her daughter and reunite with her. Great acting! Sherry Swanson returns home to New Jersey after serving a three year prison sentence. Eager to reestablish a relationship with her young daughter, Sherry soon discovers that coming back to the world she left behind is far more difficult than she had planned.
    Manu G Super Reviewer
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