

Shirley Adams
2009, English. Directed by Oliver Hermanus.
The story of a woman who loses her family to violence and poverty, but gains her own sense of self worth.
Shirley Adams spends her days caring for her disabled son, Donovan - he was shot in the back of the neck on his way home from school one afternoon over a year ago. Since then the Adams family has lost all their worldly possessions to medical bills. Shirley has no money, no job and no husband - he left. The shooter is one of Donovan's childhood friends. Her reaction to the betrayal is so overwhelming that she chooses not to tell Donovan in fear of further damaging his already unstable emotional state. Determined to make a change in their lives, Shirley actively decides to embrace their new circumstances, hoping that Donovan will follow her example.
- Runtime
- 1h 30m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch Shirley Adams
Shirley Adams is streaming on MUBI and OVID in India.
Availability in India as of 11 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Oliver HermanusDirector
- Denise NewmanShirley Adams
- Keenan ArrisonDonovan Adams
- Emily ChildTamsin
- Theresa SedrasKariema Samsodien
- Gamiet PetersenKariem Samsodien
- Travis SnydersJeremy Jacobs
- Lee-Ann Van RooiPhilda Jacobs
- David MüllerKurt Williams
- Adrian GalleyDoctor
- Sasha LeeSasha
- Lu ChaseNurse
- Ruth MpukwanaPharmacy Assistant #2
Details
- Released
- 26 October 2009
- Country
- South Africa
- Written by
- Stavros Pamballis
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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Shirley Adams: quick answers
Is Shirley Adams worth watching?
Shirley Adams doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is Shirley Adams?
Shirley Adams runs 90 minutes (1h 30m).
Does Shirley Adams have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Shirley Adams. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Shirley Adams parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Shirley Adams yet.
Which OTT platform is Shirley Adams on?
Shirley Adams is streaming on MUBI and OVID in India. (Checked 11 November 2026.)
What movies are like Shirley Adams?
If you liked Shirley Adams, try Holy Lands, F.I.S.T., The Visit.
Who directed Shirley Adams?
Shirley Adams (2009) was directed by Oliver Hermanus and stars Denise Newman, Keenan Arrison, Emily Child.