Maggie was fanstastic (10). The story was so so (6) --> 8.

This is a wonderful film; difficult to watch, yet exceptional in its humanity. Yes, we might know where it's going, but it's a miraculous ride. Maggie Gylllenhaal is astoundingly "real" as Sherry. There isn't a strained, inauthentic moment in her performance. She is 100% raw. Anyone with an ounce of insight into human nature, or an understanding of the trauma "bad parenting" inflicts will find a way to connect with Sherry. Don't miss it.… Expand

Very dark and sad. Not bad, but not all that I heard it was cracked up to be. I liked MG better in "Stranger Than Fiction."

Maggie Gyllenhaal is terrific! She just breathes life into this film. No sugar coating, just gutsy, eye-opening acting. WOW.

Well Done!!, Very honest real filmaking, for anyone who knows someone like Sherry this should hit close too home.

Sherrybaby is a remarkable film partly because Gyllenhaal's character is so unremarkable. This desperate emotionally desolate woman is not necessarily the kind of heroine who rises above adversity to become something more extraordinary. The film treats her as a deeply flawed and wounded young woman who is unappealing and manipulative. Gyllenhaal strikes all the right notes with this performance. It's a gutsy courageous performance because a lesser actress may have tried to make the character more sympathetic and ostentatious. One of the many strong aspects of this film is the genuine honesty and natural realism that Gyllenhaal and the actress that plays her daughter were able to convey in their pivotal scenes together. This made the film's emotional punch all the more devestating. As a harrowing glimpse into a life that ran far off the tracks, Sherrybaby is a powerful viewing experience. Don't look for a happy ending. This is not that kind of film. Just be prepared for a difficult, naked, but nonetheless compelling character study.… Expand

One of the most powerful, painful, serious, beautiful, and well acted movies I have ever seen. Maggie is a miracle as Sherry. One of the truest depictions of the hold drugs can have on a human being. Like no movie I have ever seen before. If you are looking for a movie to change your life, this is as close as you will ever need to search. How is a woman that actually desires to become a model citizen supposed to do so when her father sexually abuses her, and she cannot get a job because her resume says she was in jail for 2 and half years for stealing money for drugs? She has to try, and try Sherry does.… Expand

Even the seemingly no-nonsense parole officer (Giancarlo Esposito) isn't impervious to the feminine wiles of a misunderstood strumpet. Officer Hernandez, whose bark is worse than his bite, grants Sherry(Maggie Gyllenhall) the special privilege of seeing her daughter. The affectionate appendage "baby" is sublimated in this kind act, this favor to a lost soul, which no doubt originated from somewhere south of his heart. When we meet a certain family member, we know in an instant who first called her "baby", and subjected her to objectification. This inappropriate relationship helps explain why Bobby (Brad William Henke) doesn't quite know how to hug his sister(see how her hesitates during their first meeting). "Sherrybaby" avoids the cliched response to the cliche that explains why a woman is promiscuous. The film avoids that big weepy moment when the woman guilt-trips the passive bystander to her historical victimization, which normally should be a sign of mature filmmaking; but here, it seems like a contradiction to Sherry's fiery nature. Gyllenhaal doesn't have to unleash hell against her brother at the diner, but a little heck would've been more satisfactory than what actually transpires in what should've been the film's pivotal moment. Obviously, Sherry should let her daughter be, but she's a mother; not a mother******. You shouldn't hate her for caring too much. It's the latter type, the woman who never returns to reclaim her namesake, you should deride and villify.… Expand

Overrated. Vulgar for the sake of jusy being vulgar because it's an "independent film" and they feel that they can could get away with it. Magge G did nothing but whine her way through it. Questions were left unanswered. Thoroughly disappointing. I wish they had just stayed with the mother daughter aspect of the film instead of constantly going to the sex aspect of the film.

The movie isnt for those looking to find that moment hat ever best actress hopefull has, that moment of high drama where she gets to scream and shout about the situation at hand. But for those looking to see one of the most methodized and subtle performances of the year, maggie is your girl! She really delivers here. Her charactor is believable and honest. The story is heartbreaking and real and not for anybody who has ever had a person like sherry in their life. Its a hard but compelling watch.… Expand