Year: 2012
Runtime: 90 min
Language: English
Director: Jim Field Smith
In this darkly comedic film, Iowa's celebrated butter carving champion, Bob Pickler, finds himself challenged by his wife, Laura, who is desperate to win the coveted title. The competition intensifies with the arrival of a young, talented rival and other unexpected contenders. Laura’s relentless ambition drives her to increasingly elaborate schemes of sabotage and betrayal, leading to a series of humorous and chaotic events as she vies for the top spot.
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Read the complete plot breakdown of Butter (2012), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
A story that plunges into the depths of fierce rivalry, BUTTER examines the relentless ambition of Laura Pickler, the devoted wife of Bob Pickler, portrayed by Ty Burrell, who has long held the title of Iowa’s champion butter carver. For a significant span of fifteen years, Laura found joy in supporting her husband, relishing her status as the attractive and devoted partner to Bob, who is not only friendly but also immensely talented in his artistic pursuits. However, when Bob is faced with the pressure to step aside and allow another contender the opportunity to shine, Laura’s indignation propels her to take action and enter the competition herself.
On the pivotal day of sign-ups, Laura eagerly positions herself at the front of the line, only to confront a startling reality—her chances of securing a victory swiftly diminish with the appearance of an unexpected rival: Destiny, a ten-year-old African-American foster child raised by Julie and Ethan. The stakes heighten even further with the entrance of Bob’s potential mistress, Brooke, a rebellious stripper who also throws her hat into the ring, along with Carol-Ann, Bob’s most ardent admirer, played by Kristen Schaal.
As Laura grapples with the challenges posed by her three challengers, she faces ridicule from her stepdaughter, Kaitlen, while her relationship with Bob begins to fray under strain. Determined to emerge victorious, Laura is prepared to go to any lengths necessary, even if it means resorting to sabotage. In her quest for glory, she enlists the help of her former boyfriend, Boyd, whose foolishness proves both a hindrance and an unexpected advantage in her unconventional campaign for the title.
Ultimately, BUTTER delves into themes of rivalry, ambition, and the lengths one will go to seize victory, all while serving up a dollop of humor and heart amidst the intense competition.
Last Updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:04
Don't stop at just watching — explore Butter 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 Butter is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Butter with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
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