As portrayed by Kelly O’Sullivan—who is also the film’s screenwriter—Bridget is at a crossroads. Now in her mid-thirties, the college dropout is dating a twenty-something server, with whom she terminates an unwanted pregnancy just as she is hired as a nanny for a mixed-race lesbian couple in the affluent Chicago suburbs. With little time to recover after her abortion, she often clashes with the precocious 6-year-old Frances (the poised and often hilarious Ramona Edith-Williams). As she gradually wins the family’s trust and friendship—and develops a little faith in herself—she discovers that love can be found in unexpected places. Recently recognized for its “Breakthrough Voice” by the SXSW Jury, SAINT FRANCES is a fresh, funny, non-judgmental, and endearing look at a subject that is rarely so candidly addressed.

Q&A with director Alex Thompson and writer/star Kelly O’Sullivan to follow. 

This screening is co-presented by Mindy Cohen and David Bershad.