Vera Drake May 2026

The story of centers on a working-class woman in 1950s London who balances a life of relentless kindness with a dangerous, illegal secret. The Two Lives of Vera Drake

The duality of 1950s society is stark: while the poor resort to Vera’s dangerous procedures, the wealthy families she cleans for can obtain safe, legal abortions by paying high fees for psychiatric recommendations. vera drake

However, for nearly 20 years, Vera has led a hidden life. She performs "backstreet" abortions for young women "in trouble"—a term she prefers over the medical ones—using a simple method of hot water and disinfectant. Vera views this as a charitable social duty and refuses to take any money for it. Unbeknownst to her, her friend Lily, who refers the clients, is secretly charging them for the service. The story of centers on a working-class woman