There's no question that our love for Jodie Comer runs deep. From the moment she burst onto our screens as Villanelle – arguably the hottest assassin in television history – we knew that there was no stopping her. Although Killing Eve definitely showcased Comer's dark humour capabilities; more recently, we've started to see the actor dabble into the realm of drama. First, debuting her new film, The Last Duel, at the Venice Film Festival, and now, in her latest role Help.
The two-hour drama draws on the experiences and events of the last year; centred around a fictional Liverpool care home at the beginning of the pandemic. And before you mutter to yourself, "gosh, do we really need another reminder", we suggest you sit tight, because with Comer leading the pack, there's no question this film will be worthy of your time.
Help was written by BAFTA award-winning screenwriter Jack Thorne – known for his adaptation of of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials. Joining Comer at the helm is actor Stephen Graham, making the film even more personal given that Liverpool happens to be the duos hometown.
Unlike many of the other on-screen iterations we have seen – or learnt of – this past year; Help expertly encapsulates every very real fear felt throughout the pandemic. Particularly, of course, surrounding the well-being of the most vulnerable members of our community. It's a story that almost everyone can relate to, and as we've come to expect from Jodie Comer, she navigates the storyline of Help with sincerity, compassion and ease.
What is Help about?
The drama takes us right back to the beginning of the pandemic; exploring how many care homes were thrusted into the middle of the chaos with very little information or understanding of the severity of what would soon unravel. Help follows character Sarah (Comer), who has recently started a new role at a Liverpool care home despite having very little experience. Early into her new position, she becomes Tony's (Graham), a 47-year-old patient with early onset Alzheimer's, care taker.
The film showcases how their friendship unfolds against the backdrop of a pandemic; and serves as a sobering reminder of the misinformation that was circling. Care home staff being told they didn't necessarily need to wear PPE, for example. It also doesn't shy away from bringing attention to the political failings and wealth inequality in the UK; drawing comparisons and commentary on the way the government handled the outbreak in the social care sector.
Watch the Jodie Comer in the official Help trailer here.
The film has officially aired on Channel 4; but we're still waiting to find out more information on how we can watch Help here in Australia. To get a taste of what to expect, you can watch the official trailer below.
Image: YouTube
