The World to Come

The World to Come

Year: 2021

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Director: Mona Fastvold

Echo Score: 75

Budget: $8K

Drama

In 1850s upstate New York, two women, Abigail and Tallie, grapple with quiet desperation. Abigail's marriage to Dyer is strained by grief, and she finds an unexpected connection with the free-spirited Tallie. As their bond deepens, they confront a shared longing for intimacy and companionship that exists beyond the challenges of their marriages, forging an unconventional and profound relationship.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The World to Come 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 – The World to Come (2021)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The World to Come (2021). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1856

The year 1856 was a period of significant societal change in America, marked by tensions leading up to the Civil War. During this time, rural communities often dealt with personal loss and rigid social norms, impacting relationships and individual freedoms. The 1850s also saw emerging movements advocating for women's rights amidst traditional roles.

Location

Schoharie County, New York, Skaneateles area, Onondaga County

Schoharie County in New York is known for its scenic countryside and rural farming life, providing a tranquil yet isolated environment for the characters. The region has a rich history and offers expansive landscapes that reflect both beauty and sorrow. The Skaneateles area, known for its picturesque lake, serves as a contrasting backdrop that highlights the emotional turmoil of the characters.

🌾 Rural 🌍 Nature

Last Updated: December 12, 2024 at 23:07

Main Characters – The World to Come (2021)

Meet the key characters of The World to Come (2021), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Abigail (Katherine Waterston)

Abigail is a deeply complex character grappling with grief from the loss of her daughter. Her emotionally detached marriage to Dyer contrasts sharply with her passionate connection to Tallie. This yearning for intimacy drives her to seek solace in her friendship, ultimately leading to a romantic entanglement that challenges her understanding of love and loyalty.

🧑‍🌾 Grief 💕 Love 🎭 Complexity

Tallie (Vanessa Kirby)

Tallie embodies a spirit of longing and desire, seeking freedom from her controlling husband. Her friendship with Abigail becomes a sanctuary for both, allowing her to express her true self. However, her tragic fate raises questions about the price of love and the impact of oppressive relationships.

🌹 Desire 🕊️ Freedom ⚡ Conflict

Dyer (Casey Affleck)

Dyer is portrayed as a melancholic figure, struggling to cope with the death of his daughter. His emotional instability creates tension in his marriage with Abigail. As he becomes increasingly aware of her bond with Tallie, Dyer's feelings of jealousy and vulnerability challenge his sense of security and masculinity.

😢 Grief 🔒 Jealousy 🤔 Vulnerability

Finney (Christopher Abbott)

Finney is a controlling husband whose possessiveness creates an atmosphere of fear. His unsettling stories and actions raise suspicions about his character, contributing significantly to the story's tension. He embodies the theme of toxic masculinity and the destructive nature of jealousy in intimate relationships.

🔒 Control ⚔️ Jealousy 👀 Watchful

Last Updated: December 12, 2024 at 23:07

Major Themes – The World to Come (2021)

Explore the central themes of The World to Come (2021), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love & Loss

The movie poignantly explores the themes of love and loss, showcasing how individuals navigate grief and emotional connection. Abigail's complex relationship with Tallie offers a glimpse into the transformative power of love amid tragedy. The longing for companionship in the wake of loss drives the character's actions and decisions throughout the film.

🌪️ Chaos & Control

The theme of chaos vs. control is prevalent, as both Tallie and Abigail attempt to assert their autonomy within the confines of controlling relationships. The storms that disrupt their lives symbolize external turmoil that affects their internal worlds. The manipulation and power dynamics between the couples highlight the challenges of personal freedom.

Last Updated: December 12, 2024 at 23:07

Unlock the Full Story of The World to Come

Don't stop at just watching — explore The World to Come 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 The World to Come is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The World to Come Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The World to Come, 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.

The World to Come Summary

The World to Come Timeline

Track the full timeline of The World to Come with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The World to Come Timeline

The World to Come Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The World to Come 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.

The World to Come Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The World to Come

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The World to Come: 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 The World to Come