Year: 2016
Runtime: 107 min
Language: English
Director: Kelly Reichardt
Set against the backdrop of Montana's expansive landscape, this film explores the lives of three women facing different challenges. A lawyer confronts gender inequality and a tense situation at work; a determined wife and mother struggles to realize her dream of building a house, encountering resistance from the men around her; and a young law student develops a surprising connection with a solitary ranch worker. Through their individual journeys, the film portrays a thoughtful and realistic depiction of women striving for autonomy and resilience.
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In Livingston, Montana, attorney Laura Wells is grappling with a disgruntled client named Fuller, who has been repeatedly visiting her office for the past eight months. After suffering a workplace injury that has left him disabled, Fuller finds himself unemployed and frustrated. Despite Laura’s advice to seek another lawyer, he is resistant. When Fuller meets with the new attorney, he hears what Laura had explained previously: even though the company is at fault for his injuries, he cannot pursue further legal action because he previously accepted a small settlement offer from them.
On his journey back home, Fuller has a heated argument with his wife and ends up getting kicked out of their car. In desperation, he flags down Laura for a ride back to Livingston, revealing his dark thoughts about wanting to shoot those responsible for his plight.
That evening, Laura receives a harrowing call from the police informing her that Fuller has taken a security guard hostage at his former workplace. With trepidation, Laura agrees to enter the building to negotiate with Fuller. Upon finding him, she uncovers his employee file at his behest, which reveals the details of how he was cheated out of his rightful settlement. As Fuller contemplates releasing the guard, he asks Laura to mislead the police about his demands, but she opts for honesty and informs them of his location, resulting in his arrest.
Parallel to Fuller’s story, we meet Gina and Ryan Lewis, a couple constructing their rural home with their teenage daughter. Tensions arise as Gina feels Ryan frequently undermines her decisions, particularly during an encounter with Albert, an elderly man they hope to convince to sell them sandstone. Gina stealthily records their conversation, leading to a debate in their car about whether to go through with taking the sandstone after Albert reluctantly agrees to their proposal.
Meanwhile, Jamie, a ranch hand living in solitude, stumbles upon an evening class on education law taught by Beth Travis. Intrigued, Jamie attends each week despite her lack of interest in the subject. Their bond deepens when Jamie brings her horse to class one day, but she is devastated to learn that Beth has quit shortly thereafter. Determined, Jamie ventures into Livingston to find her. After a bittersweet encounter, she leaves feeling empty and ultimately succumbs to exhaustion, falling asleep at the wheel and driving into a field.
As the story unfolds, Laura continues her visitations with Fuller in prison, bringing a sense of understanding despite the circumstances. Gina enjoys a barbecue with friends, receiving appreciation for her hard work, as she takes a moment to smile at the sandstone. Meanwhile, Jamie persists with her daily routine at the ranch, navigating her own bittersweet journey through the complexities of life in Livingston.
Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 17:34
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Stories of women navigating isolation and striving for autonomy in rural settings.Discover movies like Certain Women that explore the subtle strength of women in rural or isolated settings. If you enjoyed the realistic portrayal of autonomy and connection in Montana, you'll find similar thoughtful, character-focused dramas here.
Narratives in this thread often follow one or more female protagonists as they confront societal expectations, personal limitations, or emotional distance. The plots are typically low on external drama, instead building meaning through small moments of struggle, connection, and quiet perseverance.
These films are grouped for their shared focus on a specific female experience: resilience without fanfare. They share a melancholic yet realistic tone, deliberate pacing, and a thematic emphasis on autonomy, making the viewing experience consistently thoughtful and understated.
Cinematic portraits where interconnected stories explore everyday human struggles.If you liked the triptych structure and slice-of-life feel of Certain Women, explore these other films. This section features movies with interconnected stories that offer a quiet, realistic look at everyday struggles and human connection.
The narrative pattern involves multiple, often loosely connected storylines that run parallel. There is rarely a single climax; instead, emotional weight accumulates through small, observed moments. Endings tend to be bittersweet or ambiguous, reflecting the ongoing nature of life's challenges.
These films are united by their structural approach and overall vibe. They prioritize atmosphere, subtle emotional shifts, and a realistic portrayal of daily life over conventional plot mechanics, creating a meditative and deeply human viewing experience.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Certain 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 Certain Women is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Certain Women with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Certain Women. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Certain Women that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Certain 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.
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