Vera Drake

Imelda Staunton has certainly earned a possible place on Oscar’s Best Actress nomination list with her heart-wrenching performance in writer/director Mike Leigh’s latest complex and emotional tearjerker. The virtually unknown actress stars as the title character who cleans the homes of England’s elite, and selflessly cares for the sick and needy with a spring in her step and an all-purpose cup of hot tea. She also "helps women" free-of-charge with soapy water and a syringe. When one of her patients almost dies, Drake is tried and convicted for her pro-choice acts. Her sparkling eyes and jovial demeanor are replaced by sheer terror and borderline catatonia. Leigh explores the controversial dichotomies of class and abortion, and Staunton follows along in impressive stride.