Bleak Moments

"Bleak Moments" is a 1971 British comedy-drama film directed by Mike Leigh in his directorial debut, based on a 1970 stage play about the dysfunctional life of a young secretary, Sylvia (Anne Raitt), who leads a quiet life caring for her sister Hilda (Sarah Stephenson) with complex care needs. Their lonely suburban existence is accentuated by social awkwardness that detaches them from the community and fuels a life of seclusion and despair. The film features a cast including Eric Allan, Joolia Cappleman, Mike Bradwell, and Donald Sumpter as Norman, among others.