Shirley Adams (2009)

In the rugged landscape of Mitchell's Plain, Cape Town, Shirley Adams embarks on a daily battle to care for her son, Donovan, who was cruelly disabled by an unexpected bullet to his neck over a year ago. This devastating incident, the fallout of an unspoken act of violence, has left them stripped of all material possessions, swallowed by mounting medical bills. With an absent husband who disappeared without a trace and no job to lean on, Shirley's existence has been whittled down to a struggle for survival, marked by minor thefts and the sporadic generosity of strangers. When Tamsin Ranger, a young and enthusiastic occupational therapist, enters their world, a glimmer of hope sparkles in the bleakness. Shirley clings to the possibility that Tamsin might lift Donovan's spirits and guide them towards a semblance of stability. This fragile optimism is further tested when a long-anticipated phone call brings news of Donovan's case progressing to trial. But the brief taste of justice turns bitter in Shirley's mouth as she learns the shooter is a childhood friend of her son. Torn between the sting of betrayal and the fear of exacerbating Donovan's unstable emotional condition, Shirley chooses to shield him from this harsh truth. She doggedly tries to shape a new reality from their tattered lives, hoping that Donovan will mirror her resilience. But his mental state is an unyielding enemy, impervious to Tamsin's efforts and blind to the possibilities of a life beyond disability. Eventually, Shirley finds herself standing alone amidst the ruins of what was once her family. Punctuated by the socio-political unrest and racial turmoil that seethe through the Cape Flats slums, Shirley Adams is a poignant exploration of the intricate links between poverty and violence. It is a testament to one woman's remarkable strength and selfless sacrifice, in a world where a single, irreversible incident can fracture an entire family.

Shirley Adams is a drama movie featuring Denise Newman and directed by Oliver Hermanus.

Shirley Adams is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy, Tubi TV and myfilmfriend and it's also available on OVID.

It is also possible to buy Shirley Adams on Amazon Video.