Brenda Blethyn fans, listen up! The wait is finally over as the Vera star’s heartbreaking drama, Dragonfly, is finally available to stream for free in the UK – eight months after its theatrical release.
Written and directed by Paul Andrew Williams, the film follows two lonely neighbours who strike up an unlikely friendship. But as the two women grow closer, their friendship is undone by prejudice and judgment, leading to a devastating conclusion.
While Brenda is perhaps best known for playing the trench coat-wearing DCI Vera Stanhope in ITV’s long-running detective drama Vera, she looks worlds away from her iconic character in the role of Elsie, a vulnerable 84-year-old woman.
Billed as an “unpredictable and eerie” drama highlighting the “stark realities of elder care,” the film promises to be a moving and thought-provoking watch.
Keep reading to find out more.
Meet the cast of Dragonfly
Brenda Blethyn (Vera, A Woman of Substance) stars as Elsie, while Academy Award-nominated Andrea Riseborough (Alice & Jack) plays her 30-year-old neighbour, Colleen. They’re joined by Jason Watkins (Line of Duty, McDonald and Dodds), who plays Elsie’s son, John.
© Hoda Davaine / Getty ImagesSpeaking to HELLO! earlier this year, Brenda revealed that after stepping away from her role in Vera, she was quickly snapped up for a role in Dragonfly. “I didn’t think the phone would ever ring, but it’s been ringing off the hook,” she said, adding: “I didn’t know this was going to happen.”
What is Dragonfly about?
The film follows the relationship between a neglected pensioner, Elsie, and her neighbour, Colleen. Disgusted by Elsie’s state of care, Colleen offers to help for free and the pair form an unexpected bond.
The synopsis, via Tribeca, continues: “But Colleen’s intentions may not be exactly as they seem. As suspicions grow, a shocking act triggers a violent chain reaction that threatens to irreparably alter the lives of both women.”
© Alamy Stock PhotoThe film is described as a “heartbreaking, tense and atmospheric feature that will unsettle and make you challenge your preconceptions,” according to the synopsis.
It reads: “It’s a narrative that unflinchingly shines a light on the universal issue of social care and caring for the elderly and marginalised.”
What have viewers and critics said about Dragonfly?
Boasting an impressive 92 per cent Rotten Tomatoes score, the film received high praise from audiences and critics alike. One viewer described it as a “beautifully written drama and an acting masterclass,” on social media, while another penned: “Congratulations to you, Brenda and Andrea, and the whole Dragonfly team. It’s also a fantastic film that everyone should see.”
© GettyMeanwhile, The Guardian handed out four stars, hailing the film as a “haunting, genre-defying drama,” while The Hollywood Reporter praised Brenda and Andrea’s performances, writing: “Andrea Riseborough and Brenda Blethyn dazzle in a bleak British shocker.”
Both Brenda and Andrea won the joint Best Performance award at the Tribeca Film Festival for their roles in the film.
How to watch Dragonfly
Dragonfly is available to stream on ITVX now.
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