Dolores Claiborne

In 1995, Dolores Claiborne lives a secluded life on Little Tall Island, Maine, working as a domestic servant for Vera Donovan. Their relationship is fraught with tension, reflecting Dolores's struggles in a hostile environment.

During a fierce altercation, Vera Donovan, who is frail and partially paralyzed, tumbles down the stairs. Dolores, caught in a moment of chaos, clutches a rolling pin and is left standing over Vera's lifeless body when the mailman arrives.

As news of Vera's death spreads, the townsfolk's suspicions quickly shift towards Dolores. This growing scrutiny is rooted in a longstanding animosity and the tragic history surrounding Dolores's husband, Joe, who died in 1975.

Selena St. George, Dolores's estranged daughter, traveled from New York City back to her hometown, despite her troubled relationship with her mother. Her intentions to offer support are complicated by her doubts regarding Dolores's innocence in Vera's death.

Eighteen years prior, Joe St. George, Dolores's abusive husband, had a dark secret; he was sexually exploiting their daughter Selena. Dolores took on the job with Vera Donovan to ensure a better life for Selena away from Joe's grasp.

Dolores finds solace in her conversations with Vera, learning that Vera had planned her husband's death as an act of liberation. This knowledge fuels Dolores's drive to reclaim her life from the chains of her past.

Detective John Mackey begins investigating Vera's death, dismissing Dolores's claims that Vera chose death over suffering. He grows suspicious, especially upon uncovering that Vera willed her estate to Dolores, a detail Dolores was unaware of.

Tensions reach a breaking point as Dolores and Selena confront the pain inflicted by Joe. In a heated exchange, Selena defends her father, leading to a rift that leaves Dolores facing the potential charges alone.

In a distressing flashback, Dolores recalls the moment she confronted Joe, leading to his death at the bottom of their dry well. This dark family secret is only unveiled later to Selena through a recorded message from Dolores.

Selena reflects on the past while on a ferry, remembering how Joe manipulated her into silence. With this realization, she begins to understand her mother's actions, binding their shared trauma.

Mackey's pursuit of Dolores intensifies as he holds personal grievances against her, shaping his investigation. However, as Selena reveals the truth about her mother's innocence, the detective's motivations come into question.

With Selena's intervention, Mackey's baseless case against Dolores starts to unravel. This confrontation exposes the personal grudges that fueled his relentless pursuit and ultimately leads him to drop all charges.

At the ferry wharf, Dolores and Selena share a heartfelt embrace, symbolizing their strengthened bond amidst their struggles. Their reunion marks a pivotal moment, proving that love can endure deep-seated pain and conflict.

As Selena prepares to leave for New York, the story closes on a note of hope. Both women have faced their adversities, and while the journey ahead remains uncertain, their love and understanding for each other is now unbreakable.