Certain Women

Certain Women

Year: 2016

Runtime: 107 min

Language: English

Director: Kelly Reichardt

Drama

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.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Certain 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 – Certain Women (2016)

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

Time period

Location

Livingston, Montana

Livingston, Montana, is known for its breathtaking landscapes and small-town charm. This rural community is situated near the Yellowstone River and offers both outdoor adventures and a close-knit atmosphere. The town has a rich cultural history and serves as a backdrop for personal stories and struggles, making it an integral part of the characters' journeys in the film.

🏞️ Landscape 🏙️ Urban 🏡 Rural

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:49

Main Characters – Certain Women (2016)

Meet the key characters of Certain 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.

Laura Wells (Laura Dern)

Laura Wells is a determined attorney who faces significant emotional and ethical challenges in her career. Handling a troubled client like Fuller tests her limits, pushing her to act with integrity and compassion. Her character reflects the complexities of legal responsibilities intertwined with personal values.

👩‍⚖️ Lawyer 🤝 Integrity 💼 Professional

Gina Lewis

Gina Lewis is a resilient woman navigating her roles as a wife and mother while building a family home. She often feels undermined by her husband, highlighting her struggle for agency within her relationship. Gina’s journey illustrates the challenge of maintaining balance between personal ambitions and familial responsibilities.

🏗️ Builder 👨‍👩‍👧 Family 💪 Strength

Jamie

Jamie is a solitary ranch hand seeking connection and understanding in her life. Her quiet determination drives her to attend evening classes, where she finds a sense of belonging through her bond with Beth. Despite her tragic missteps, Jamie embodies resilience amidst her search for purpose.

🐎 Ranch hand 📚 Learner 💔 Isolation

Beth Travis (Michelle Williams)

Beth Travis is an educator whose passion for teaching leaves a significant impact on her students. Though she ultimately makes a choice to leave, her presence resonates profoundly with Jamie, highlighting the importance of mentorship. Beth's character represents the fleeting connections that shape one's journey.

📖 Teacher ✨ Mentor 💔 Departure

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:49

Major Themes – Certain Women (2016)

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

💔 Conflict

Conflict arises in multiple ways throughout 'Certain Women.' From the struggles of Laura with her client Fuller to Gina's tensions with her husband, the film explores personal and relational challenges. The theme of conflict is further highlighted by Fuller's emotional turmoil, showcasing how individual actions lead to broader consequences.

🏡 Home

The concept of home is central to the characters' arcs. For Gina and Ryan, it signifies not just a physical structure but also the emotional turmoil that builds within their relationship. Jamie's quest for connection emphasizes the importance of belonging, while Fuller's situation contrasts the idea of home with feelings of isolation and despair.

🔍 Search for Truth

The search for truth manifests in various forms throughout the narrative. Laura's dedication to uncovering Fuller's legal plight, Gina's quest for a fair transaction with Albert, and Jamie's pursuit of knowledge reflect a deeper yearning for authenticity. This theme illustrates the characters' struggles against deception, both within themselves and their environments.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:49

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

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.

Movies about quietly resilient women like Certain Women

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.

contemplativeresilientisolatedquietatmosphericrealisticunderstated

Narrative Summary

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.

Why These Movies?

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.

Movies with contemplative vignettes like Certain Women

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.

contemplativeatmosphericquietrealisticeveryday lifeinterconnectedbittersweet

Narrative Summary

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.

Why These Movies?

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.

Unlock the Full Story of Certain Women

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.

Certain Women Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Certain 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.

Certain Women Summary

Certain Women Timeline

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.

Certain Women Timeline

Certain Women Spoiler-Free Summary

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.

Certain Women Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Certain Women

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.

More About Certain Women

Similar Movies to Certain Women

Discover movies like Certain 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.