Killing Eve actress Jodie Comer plays Sarah alongside Line of Duty’s actor Stephen Graham in Channel 4s film, set in a care home hit by coronavirus.
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What is it about
The film tells the story of the pandemic through the eyes of carers and those they look after.
Sarah (Jodie Comer) is a carer who works at Meadowbrook care home. She is struggling to cope with the demands of her job and the impact of the pandemic on those she cares for.
Stephen Graham plays John, a resident at the care home. He is one of the first to be diagnosed with Covid-19 and his health quickly deteriorates.
Tony’s young-onset Alzheimer’s disease causes him to be confused and agitated. He is extremely worried about the pandemic and his wife, who is also a resident at the care home.
The film follows Sarah and John as they try to deal with the outbreak and its impact on those around them.
What’s it like?
Help is a moving and powerful film that highlights the human cost of the pandemic. Jodie Comer and Stephen Graham give outstanding performances and the film provides a moving insight into the lives of those on the front line.
The film is difficult to watch at times, but it is an important and timely reminder of the human cost of this disease.
The Film
As the virus takes hold of the care home, Sarah and the other carers are forced to fight for the lives of their residents.
The film is a fictionalised account of the events that took place in care homes during the pandemic.
Why watch it
The film is a powerful portrayal of the dedication of carers and the challenges they face. It is an important story that needs to be told.
Comer said “we’re determined to do justice to so many of the untold stories and heroes that have been affected, as a result of this crisis”.
Help is a moving and important film that shines a light on the heroes of the pandemic – the carers who dedicate their lives to helping others.
Channel 4
Director of external affairs at Channel 4, Hayley Campbell-Gibbons said: “We’re delighted to be able to share Help with audiences, a film that so brilliantly captures the human stories at the heart of the pandemic. It’s an important film for Channel 4 to be part of and we hope it will provide some comfort and hope at this difficult time.”
Comer added: “It’s been an honour to be a part of this film and to tell a story that is so close to so many people’s hearts. I hope that by shining a light on the incredible dedication and bravery of our carers, we can help to make a difference.”
writer Jack Thorne said: “It’s been an extraordinary privilege to be part of Help, a film that captures so many of the emotions we’ve all been feeling over the last year. I hope that by telling these stories we can help to make a difference.”
Pandemic in uk care homes
The pandemic has had a devastating impact on care homes in the UK.
More than 274,063 care home residents have died from Covid-19 in the UK, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
This is equivalent to one in every eight care home residents who have died from the virus.
The pandemic has also had a profound impact on the mental health of carers. A study by the University of Manchester found that one in three carers reported feeling suicidal during the pandemic.
The film was released in the UK late last year, and is available to watch on Channel 4’s on demand service and can be watched here.
