Butter

Butter

Year: 2012

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Director: Jim Field Smith

Comedy

In this wickedly witty comedy, "Butter" pits Iowa's reigning butter carver Bob Pickler against his ambitious wife Laura, who's determined to claim the title for herself. When a 10-year-old prodigy and two unexpected rivals join the fray, Laura's competitive streak is ignited, leading her down a path of sabotage, betrayal, and hilarious hijinks.

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Timeline & Setting – Butter (2012)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Butter (2012). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie presents a contemporary setting, showcasing modern family dynamics and societal pressures. The storyline unfolds in a time where traditional competitions are still celebrated, revealing a blend of rivalry and support within communities.

Location

Iowa

Iowa is known for its agricultural prowess, particularly in corn production, and hosts various unique competitions. The movie centers around a butter-carving competition, reflecting the state's whimsical and competitive spirit. In the context of the film, Iowa serves as the backdrop for a riveting narrative about ambition and rivalry.

🌽 Location 🏆 Competition

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:49

Main Characters – Butter (2012)
Meet the key characters of Butter (2012), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Laura Pickler (Jennifer Garner)

Laura Pickler is an ambitious woman who transitions from being the supportive wife of a butter-carving champion to a fierce competitor herself. Her transformation reveals her deep-seated desires for recognition and respect. Throughout the film, her drive motivates her to make questionable decisions in pursuit of glory.

👩‍🎤 Ambition 💔 Jealousy 🎉 Competition

Bob Pickler (Ty Burrell)

Bob is the charming husband of Laura who has held the title of Iowa's butter-carving champion for years. His decision to step back from competition ignites Laura's ambition and jealousy. Despite his artistic talents, he finds himself caught in the chaos of Laura's fierce rivalry.

🏆 Champion 👨‍🎤 Supportive ⚖️ Artist

Destiny (Yara Shahidi)

Destiny is a talented young contender who poses a serious threat to Laura's ambitions. As an African-American foster child, her entrance into the competition challenges the norms and expectations placed upon her. Her determination and skills signify a fresh wave of talent and competition.

🌟 Talent 🌈 Diversity 💪 Determination

Brooke (Olivia Wilde)

Brooke is perceived as the ‘bad-girl’ stripper who enters the competition, further complicating Laura's journey. Her character challenges societal expectations and represents an unexpected rival in Laura's quest for victory. Brooke adds a layer of complexity to the competition and personal dynamics.

🎉 Rivalry 💃 Competition 🎭 Complexity

Kaitlen (Ashley Greene)

Kaitlen, Laura's stepdaughter, serves as a source of mockery and tension within the family dynamic. Her reactions provide insight into the generational conflict and pressures around competition in their family. Kaitlen's character adds depth to Laura's motivations and struggles.

👩‍👧 Family 📉 Conflict 🏅 Rivalry

Boyd (Hugh Jackman)

Boyd is Laura's dim-witted former boyfriend who becomes embroiled in her schemes to sabotage the competition. His character brings comic relief yet is also a reflection of the moral dilemmas faced in the pursuit of success. Boyd's loyalty and simplicity highlight the contrasts in Laura's calculated ambition.

😂 Humor 🥸 Sidekick 🎭 Complexity

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:49

Major Themes – Butter (2012)
Explore the central themes of Butter (2012), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👑 Ambition

The theme of ambition drives the main character, Laura Pickler, as she seeks to carve her own path in a world dominated by her husband's past successes. Her competitive spirit pushes her to take drastic measures to prove herself. The narrative explores the lengths individuals go to achieve recognition and the consequences that arise from unchecked ambition.

💔 Jealousy

Jealousy permeates Laura's relationships, particularly with her husband and stepdaughter. As Laura confronts other competitors, her feelings of inadequacy and envy manifest, leading her to betray her own moral values. This theme serves as a catalyst for her transformation throughout the film.

🎭 Deception

Deception plays a critical role in the characters' interactions, especially as Laura resorts to sabotage to secure her victory. Her alliance with Boyd showcases the lengths she'll go to for success, raising questions about ethics in competition. The reality of deception in the pursuit of dreams is scrutinized, ultimately highlighting the impact of dishonesty on relationships.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:49

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