Manderlay

In 1933, Grace and her father travel in a convoy with a group of gunmen, stopping at a plantation called Manderlay in Alabama. This brief visit quickly opens a Pandora's box of horrors as they are confronted with the reality of slavery still ongoing in the South, forcing them to reevaluate their understanding of freedom.

Soon after their arrival, a distressed black woman approaches Grace and the group, revealing that a punishment for theft is imminent. This encounter serves as a chilling reminder of the oppressive environment that remains entrenched within the plantation's walls.

Grace is horrified to discover that, despite the passage of time since the Civil War, slavery is still very much alive at Manderlay. This shocking realization ignites her determination to take action against the deeply ingrained injustices of the plantation.

The matriarch of the plantation, Mam, unexpectedly passes away, leaving behind a weighty request for Grace. Mam's last wish is for Grace to destroy a notebook containing the brutally oppressive rules governing both the enslaved and free on the plantation.

Grace begins to explore the contents of 'Mam's Law', uncovering a detailed regulation system that defines the lives of the enslaved individuals. These oppressive rules enforce a systematic division of the slaves into seven groups, complicating Grace's mission to alter the status quo.

Fueled by indignation, Grace takes on the task of managing Manderlay, vowing to liberate the enslaved people. She begins implementing her vision of justice and freedom while tackling the challenges posed by the plantation's established structure.

Determined to empower the former slaves, Grace instructs Joseph to draft contracts for all inhabitants of the plantation. This cooperative arrangement shifts the dynamics, allowing the black community to take ownership of Manderlay while the white family works as laborers.

As Grace attempts to implement her ideals, she faces unforeseen issues, including the use of timber that exposes crops to dust storms. Despite her well-intentioned efforts, managing the community becomes increasingly challenging as the realities of racism and economic exploitation push against her plans.

After a year filled with hardships, the community finally achieves a breakthrough by successfully harvesting and selling their cotton. This moment is celebrated as a temporary victory in Grace's ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

Grace's journey becomes complicated as she forms an unsatisfactory romantic relationship with one of the ex-slaves, which leads to unexpected consequences. The partner's subsequent misconduct, including gambling away cotton profits, highlights the precarious situation that both Grace and the community face.

Feeling disillusioned by the ongoing challenges at Manderlay, Grace decides to retreat, reaching out to her father for help to leave the plantation. However, her departure is thwarted by the very community she aims to support, showcasing the complexities of their relationship.

In a shocking revelation, Grace learns that 'Mam's Law' was not solely the creation of Mam but constructed by Wilhelm, the oldest member of the community. This discovery deeply unsettles Grace, illuminating the intricate layers of power and control within the plantation.

As Grace continues her quest to enact change at Manderlay, she grapples with the conflict between her ideals of freedom and the harsh realities faced by the community. The story illustrates how her well-meaning intentions collide with the ingrained systems of oppression that have persisted despite her efforts.