Laurie Collyer

Writing

Laurie Collyer

Born 1967-01-01 · Mountainside, New Jersey

Laurie Collyer is an American film director. She grew up in Mountainside, New Jersey and attended Oberlin College. She is best known for writing and directing Sherrybaby, for which actress Maggie Gyllenhaal received a Golden Globe nomination. She also directed the film Nuyorican Dream in 1999. She is in development to direct a film based on the story of Julia Butterfly Hill and Luna which is to star Rachel Weisz. Collyer is a graduate of Oberlin College.

Acting credits

Behind the camera

Furlough poster
5.7

In between caring for her mother, a young woman works part time at a prison. The rookie guard gets a chance to prove her mettle when she's tasked with accompanying a hell-raising inmate on an emergency furlough to visit her dying mother. But things soon spiral out of control, sending the pair on a hilarious, surprising, and ultimately touching road trip.

Furlough

2018

Sherrybaby poster
6.1

After serving time in prison, former drug addict Sherry Swanson returns home to reclaim her young daughter from family members who have been raising the child. Sherry's family, especially her sister-in-law, doubt Sherry's ability to be a good mother, and Sherry finds her resolve to stay clean slowly weakening.

Sherrybaby

2006

Sherrybaby poster
6.1

After serving time in prison, former drug addict Sherry Swanson returns home to reclaim her young daughter from family members who have been raising the child. Sherry's family, especially her sister-in-law, doubt Sherry's ability to be a good mother, and Sherry finds her resolve to stay clean slowly weakening.

Sherrybaby

2006

Story of a Girl poster
6.0

When a compromising video of sixteen-year-old Deanna Lambert hits social media, her teenage life is changed forever. Overcoming bullies, hurtful school-yard taunts and the enduring rage and disappointment of her father, Deanna longs to escape a life defined by her past.

Story of a Girl

2017

Sunlight Jr. poster
5.2

Quickie-mart employee Melissa and paraplegic Richie are very much in love. Supported only by Melissa’s small hourly wage, they are nevertheless thrilled to learn that Melissa is pregnant. Then their situation deteriorates, and their tenuous financial situation threatens to bring their happy life crashing down.

Sunlight Jr.

2013

Sunlight Jr. poster
5.2

Quickie-mart employee Melissa and paraplegic Richie are very much in love. Supported only by Melissa’s small hourly wage, they are nevertheless thrilled to learn that Melissa is pregnant. Then their situation deteriorates, and their tenuous financial situation threatens to bring their happy life crashing down.

Sunlight Jr.

2013

The Thief poster
6.0

When a thief enters a house desperately looking for money, he finds something more valuable.

The Thief

2011

No artwork available
3.3

A gripping portrait of one Puerto Rican family living in NYC. Roberto, 29, the eldest son gay and living in Greenwich Village. Marta the family matriarch, living in Brooklyn and raising the grandchildren that have, for the most part been abandonded by their parents. Danny, 23, returning from Riker's Island after spending yet more time in jail. Beatriz, vanishing periodically to indulg her crack cocain habit.

Nuyorican Dream

2000

No artwork available
3.3

A gripping portrait of one Puerto Rican family living in NYC. Roberto, 29, the eldest son gay and living in Greenwich Village. Marta the family matriarch, living in Brooklyn and raising the grandchildren that have, for the most part been abandonded by their parents. Danny, 23, returning from Riker's Island after spending yet more time in jail. Beatriz, vanishing periodically to indulg her crack cocain habit.

Nuyorican Dream

2000