August: Osage County

In a rural Oklahoma district during a sweltering August, troubled poet Beverly Weston hires a young Cheyenne woman named Johnna to serve as a cook and caretaker for his independent wife, Violet. This decision marks the beginning of tumultuous family dynamics, as Beverly is struggling with alcoholism and Violet is facing serious health issues.

Shortly after Johnna's arrival, Beverly mysteriously vanishes without a trace. This disappearance prompts Violet to reach out to her estranged family members, setting off a chain reaction of visits and confrontations filled with tension.

Violet's sister Mattie Fae arrives with her husband Charles Aiken to provide assistance. This visit adds to the already strained atmosphere as family members gather to confront their issues surrounding Violet's health and Beverly's absence.

Ivy, the only daughter remaining in Oklahoma, reunites with her estranged sister Barbara, who arrives with her husband Bill and their teenage daughter Jean. The reunion is marred by unspoken tensions and past grievances, complicating their attempts to present a united front.

The sheriff arrives with devastating news that Beverly has drowned, leading to the family's further disintegration. The news prompts the arrival of the youngest daughter, Karen, who arrives with her dubious fiancé, Steve Huberbrecht.

Ivy shares a secret with her sisters regarding her romantic interest in her cousin, Little Charles. The revelation is tinged with sadness as Ivy struggles with her inability to bear children due to a past hysterectomy, complicating her hopes for a future.

During a post-funeral dinner, tensions explode as Violet, under the influence of drugs, verbally assaults her family members. Barbara, overwhelmed by frustration, retaliates physically, leading to a confrontation that pushes Violet to confront her substance abuse.

In an emotionally charged moment, Little Charles attempts to share a song he wrote for Ivy but is interrupted by harsh criticism from Mattie Fae. This moment reveals deeper family issues as Charles stands up to his mother about her lack of affection towards him.

The escalating tension leads to the shocking revelation that Little Charles is also Beverly's illegitimate son. This new information complicates Ivy's feelings towards him and adds layers of dysfunction within the family unit.

During an intoxicated evening, Steve attempts to assault Jean, prompting Johnna to intervene in a courageous manner. She attacks Steve with a shovel, leading to chaos that awakens the rest of the family, revealing the fractures in their relationships.

In the aftermath of the chaos, Barbara, overwhelmed with emotions, slaps Jean, leading to a panicked departure back to Colorado with Bill. This moment highlights the deep-rooted issues of anger and denial present in the family.

Heartbroken, Ivy seeks solace in her mother, only to discover that Violet is already aware of her feelings for Little Charles. This revelation leads Ivy to vow never to return, symbolizing the breakdown of family ties.

Barbara learns that Violet knew about Beverly's suffering yet failed to help him in time, leading to his tragic suicide. This revelation shatters Barbara's resolve, confronting her with the reality of her mother's failures.

Left with only Johnna for companionship, Violet turns to music in a moment of solitude. However, her grief overwhelms her, highlighting her loneliness and desperation for connection amidst her family's collapse.

As the film concludes, Barbara drives alone through the plains, feeling the emotional weight of her family's dysfunction. Grappling with tears, she sets her sights westward toward an uncertain future, symbolizing her quest for a fresh start.