“Help” (2021): A Powerful and Haunting Portrait of the COVID-19 Crisis in UK Care Homes

Among the many works inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic, Help (2021) stands out as a searing, deeply emotional, and uncompromising depiction of the human cost inside care homes. Written by acclaimed screenwriter Jack Thorne and directed by Marc Munden, the film stars Jodie Comer and Stephen Graham in two of the most powerful performances of their careers.

When Compassion Meets Catastrophe

Set in the fictional Bright Sky Homes care facility in Liverpool, Help follows Sarah (Jodie Comer), a young and empathetic care assistant who quickly builds a strong bond with Tony (Stephen Graham), a resident suffering from early-onset Alzheimer’s.

The outbreak of COVID-19 in March 2020 turns their world upside down. With a critical lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), staff shortages, and no immediate medical backup, Sarah is left alone to face increasingly dire situations. One of the film’s most intense moments—a 26-minute continuous take—captures the full pressure, isolation, and fear of frontline care work during the height of the pandemic.

Stunning Performances and a Striking Script

Jodie Comer, best known for Killing Eve, delivers a tour de force performance as Sarah. Her portrayal is raw, vulnerable, and defiant, capturing the mental and emotional toll of caregiving under impossible circumstances.

Stephen Graham is equally captivating as Tony, embodying the tragic decline of someone slowly losing himself to Alzheimer’s. His character is at once innocent, frustrated, and heartbreakingly human.

Critical Acclaim and Social Impact

Help premiered on Channel 4 to widespread critical acclaim. It holds a rare 100% critic score and 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes—clear evidence of its emotional impact and narrative strength.

The film won the International Emmy Award for Best TV Movie or Miniseries, while both Comer and Graham received recognition at the Seoul International Drama Awards for their performances.

Despite its success, Jack Thorne expressed frustration in interviews that real-world change had not followed the film’s release. In an article for The Guardian, he noted that Help was meant as a wake-up call—but one that society largely ignored when it came to reforming care home policies.

Conclusion

Help is more than just a television drama—it’s a poignant document of a painful moment in modern history. With heartbreaking realism, exceptional acting, and a vital message, it remains one of the most impactful and essential dramatizations of the COVID-19 pandemic to date.

You can watch the official trailer here: