Finely measured acting

Rating: 7/10 (17 April 2000)

Absorbing, factually based drama following a single mother who finds her raison d'etre after she gets a job as a secretary in a small firm of lawyers. Erin Brockovich becomes the key figure in a landmark legal battle when she embraces the role of advocate on behalf of residents whose health has been compromised by the presence of toxins in their water supply.
Finely measured acting from Roberts and Finney really make this film a satisfying experience; their interaction provides a pleasing focus to the otherwise predictable plot development. Dialogue is sharp, and Roberts' character at least is given some depth.
An epilogue resolving Brockovich's family situation was conspicuously absent, especially given that a fair portion of the running time was devoted to this sub-plot.