20th Century Women

20th Century Women

Year: 2016

Runtime: 119 min

Language: English

Director: Mike Mills

DramaComedy

In 1970s Santa Barbara, Dorothea Fields, a single mother, worries about raising her adolescent son, Jamie. Seeking guidance, she asks for help from two unlikely companions: Abbie, a young punk artist, and Julie, a perceptive teenager. Together, they form an unconventional family unit, challenging societal norms and exploring the complexities of love, identity, and the evolving roles of women.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen 20th Century Women yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – 20th Century Women (2016)

Explore the full timeline and setting of 20th Century Women (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1979-1999

The movie spans from the late 1970s to the late 1990s, a period marked by social change and evolving cultural norms. The 1970s saw the rise of feminism and rock music, impacting youth culture. By the 1990s, significant shifts in societal expectations and personal relationships emerged, reflecting the maturation of the characters.

Location

Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, New York, Sedona

Santa Barbara is a picturesque coastal city known for its stunning beaches and Mediterranean-style architecture. Los Angeles, a bustling metropolis, is a hub for the entertainment industry and vibrant music scene. New York is renowned for its cultural significance and diversity, while Sedona is famous for its red rock formations and artistic community.

🏖️ Beach 🎸 Music 📸 Art

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:50

Main Characters – 20th Century Women (2016)

Meet the key characters of 20th Century Women (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jamie Fields

Jamie is a 15-year-old boy navigating the complexities of adolescence. He seeks to understand his identity, relationships, and the expectations placed upon him by his mother and female figures in his life. His impulsive nature often leads him to act without fully considering the consequences, reflecting the typical challenges of teenage life.

👦 Youth 🌊 Discovery

Dorothea Fields

Dorothea is a 55-year-old single mother who strives to connect with her son while dealing with her own sense of isolation. Her journey reveals her longing for meaningful relationships and her willingness to adapt to modern societal changes. Despite her struggles, she ultimately seeks her son's happiness and growth.

👩‍👦 Family ❤️ Love

Abbie Porter

Abbie is a 24-year-old photographer battling cervical cancer, who becomes a pivotal figure in Jamie's life. Her experiences and progressive views challenge Jamie's understanding of relationships and womanhood. Abbie's journey of self-discovery and resilience adds depth to the narrative, as she aims to encourage Jamie's growth.

📸 Art 🌸 Strength

Julie Hamlin

Julie is Jamie's 17-year-old friend, who navigates the complexities of teenage relationships and her own insecurities. She seeks to maintain their friendship while also grappling with her feelings for Jamie. Julie's character reflects the struggles young women face in love and friendship.

❤️ Friendship 😟 Anxiety

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:50

Major Themes – 20th Century Women (2016)

Explore the central themes of 20th Century Women (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕊️ Coming of Age

The theme of coming of age is central to the movie, highlighting the emotional and transformative journey of Jamie as he navigates adolescence. Through various relationships and experiences, he grapples with identity, love, and the complexities of growing up. The interactions with the women in his life provide guidance and challenges that shape his understanding of the world.

💔 Relationships

Relationships are intricately explored throughout the film, from familial bonds to romantic entanglements. The dynamics between Jamie, Dorothea, Abbie, and Julie illustrate the complexities of love, support, and the search for connection. The struggles faced by these characters underscore the importance of understanding and compassion in personal relationships.

📖 Feminism

Feminism plays a significant role in shaping the characters' perspectives and choices. Through Abbie's introduction of feminist literature to Jamie, the narrative reveals the evolving roles of women and the importance of empowerment. The characters’ dialogues and experiences reflect the societal shifts in gender norms during this era.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:50

Unlock the Full Story of 20th Century Women

Don't stop at just watching — explore 20th Century Women in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what 20th Century Women is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

20th Century Women Summary

Read a complete plot summary of 20th Century Women, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

20th Century Women Summary

20th Century Women Timeline

Track the full timeline of 20th Century Women with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

20th Century Women Timeline

More About 20th Century Women

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about 20th Century Women: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About 20th Century Women

Similar Movies to 20th Century Women

Discover movies like 20th Century Women that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.