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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Call Jane (2022). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


In 1968 Chicago, Joy Griffin, a traditional housewife, is pregnant with a second child long after having a daughter, Charlotte, who is now a teenager and just experienced menstruation. Shortly after witnessing the 1968 Democratic National Convention protests, Joy begins experiencing bouts of fatigue, culminating in her passing out at her home. In the hospital, she and her husband Will learn that her pregnancy is causing her to have congestive heart failure, which will kill her unless she has her child before then, or has an abortion.

Joy and Will decide to petition the hospital’s all-male board for an abortion, only for them to unanimously refuse her request. In the wake of this, Joy becomes increasingly desperate over time. She eventually attempts a back alley abortion, but flakes out upon seeing the horrible conditions. Running outside, Joy finds an ad for the Jane Collective, a Chicago underground women’s network that provides safer abortions. Joy schedules an appointment with them, and is escorted by a former patient named Gwen to a secret clinic outside of town. There, Joy successfully receives an abortion from a talented but misogynistic male gynecologist, Dean. While recuperating, she meets the collective’s founder, Virginia. Upon returning home, Joy lies to Will and Charlotte about the circumstances and claims she had a miscarriage.

A few days later, Virginia calls Jane at her home and extorts her to escort a woman to the clinic after Gwen is struck with food poisoning, which she reluctantly does. Joy is mortified to discover the girl is a flippant teenager named Sandra, and the father is having an extramarital affair with her and also paying for the procedure. Virginia rebukes this, saying that no woman deserves to be judged, but rather helped. Joy eventually gets roped into becoming part of the collective, under the guise of going to art class, and befriends Virginia.

Joy begins assisting Dean with the procedure, as well as patients going through emotional stress. This results in her discovering that Dean is not actually a licensed medical professional, and has no degree. Meanwhile, friction grows over the high $600 charge that Dean requests for each abortion, particularly Gwen, as her fellow African Americans are disproportionately disadvantaged to pay the fee. While Virginia struggles to negotiate a new deal, Joy bribes Dean, agreeing to keep her mouth shut if Dean teaches her how to perform abortions, which he reluctantly does. Joy eventually lets slip Dean’s situation while trying to convince Virginia of her capabilities; Virginia still refuses, as Dean is still more qualified, the money helps pay for the clinic, and a botched abortion is treated as a homicide.

Virginia’s new deal with Dean allows for two free procedures, and she gives one of them for Joy to do, only for Joy to discover that it is Sandra. The procedure is a success, but Charlotte follows her to the clinic and discovers the truth. Despite this, Virginia agrees to trust Joy, and has her replace Dean. Things go smoothly for a while, but eventually, one of the procedures is botched, causing the patient to bleed after the fact. A series of events tips Joy off to a police detective, who arrives at the house. Joy is forced to admit the practice to him and Will when he declares he will send a fake patient there, but tricks him into thinking the fee is active. Will is initially furious, but reconciles with her afterwards.

Joy attempts to quit to keep a low profile, causing Virginia to come to her house and plead for her return. Discovering that hundreds of women are now on the waiting list, Charlotte encourages Joy to return. She eventually compromises by agreeing to stay for a while until she can show the rest of the women the procedure, and the collective agrees. Tens of thousands of women subsequently receive the procedure, and Will successfully defends the collective in court once they are exposed, ultimately leading to the legalization of abortion nationwide. The collective is subsequently disbanded, and a party is held in celebration.

Timeline

Track the key events of Call Jane (2022) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Joy's Pregnancy Announcement

In 1968 Chicago, Joy Griffin discovers she is pregnant with her second child. This news comes after raising her teenage daughter, Charlotte, who has recently experienced menstruation, marking a significant transition in Joy's life.

1968 Chicago

Protests at the Democratic National Convention

Joy witnesses the protests surrounding the 1968 Democratic National Convention, evoking a mix of hope and anxiety about change in society. The chaotic environment mirrors her personal struggles and foreshadows the challenges she will soon face.

1968 Chicago

Health Crisis

Following the protests, Joy experiences severe fatigue and ultimately collapses at home. At the hospital, doctors inform her and her husband Will that her pregnancy has caused congestive heart failure, putting her life in jeopardy.

1968 Hospital, Chicago

Petitioning for an Abortion

In desperation, Joy and Will approach the hospital's all-male board to petition for an abortion that they believe is crucial for Joy's survival. However, in a unanimous decision, the board denies their request, deepening Joy's sense of hopelessness.

1968 Hospital, Chicago

Back Alley Abortion Attempt

Joy attempts to seek a dangerous back alley abortion but becomes horrified upon witnessing the grim conditions. Terrified, she flees, which leads her to discover the Jane Collective, an underground women's network offering safer abortions.

1968 Chicago

Successful Abortion at Jane Collective

Joy schedules an appointment with the Jane Collective and is escorted to a secret clinic outside of Chicago. There, she undergoes an abortion performed by Dean, a misogynistic male gynecologist, allowing her a chance at survival.

1968 Secret Clinic, Outside Chicago

Living a Lie

After her procedure, Joy returns home and lies to Will and Charlotte about her experience, claiming she had a miscarriage. This deception weighs heavily on her conscience as she navigates her new reality.

1968 Home, Chicago

Joining the Jane Collective

Joy is called upon to help when a fellow volunteer is unable to escort a patient to the clinic. Mortified to find herself assisting a teenager named Sandra, she is drawn deeper into the collective's work.

1968 Chicago

Becoming an Assistant

As Joy becomes more involved with the Jane Collective, she assists Dean with procedures and begins to counsel patients experiencing emotional distress. Through this work, she discovers alarming truths about Dean's lack of credentials.

1968 Clinic, Chicago

Bribing Dean

Amid growing tensions over exorbitant fees for procedures, Joy makes a bold move to bribe Dean. In exchange for her silence about his unlicensed status, she requests to learn how to perform abortions herself.

1968 Clinic, Chicago

Training and Trust

Joy receives training from Dean and proves herself capable enough to step in for him. When a procedure involving Sandra is assigned to her, both Joy and Sandra successfully navigate the experience, strengthening Joy’s resolve.

1968 Clinic, Chicago

Police Involvement

After a botched abortion raises suspicions, a police detective arrives at Joy's home. She is forced to admit her involvement in the collective, leading to a confrontation with Will, who is initially furious but eventually reconciles with her.

1968 Home, Chicago

Joy's Return to the Clinic

Seeing hundreds of women in need, Joy decides to return to the clinic, spurred on by Charlotte’s encouragement. She agrees to train the other women on the procedure, demonstrating her commitment to the cause.

1968 Clinic, Chicago

Legalization of Abortion

Following the exposure of their practices, Will defends the Jane Collective in court, resulting in a landmark victory that leads to the legalization of abortion nationwide. This is a pivotal moment for women's rights and Joy's journey.

1968 Courtroom, Chicago

Celebratory Disbanding

In the wake of legal victories, the Jane Collective disbands as their work is no longer required. A celebration is held to honor their sacrifices and achievements, marking the end of a significant chapter in their lives.

1968 Chicago

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Call Jane (2022) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Joy Griffin (Elizabeth Banks)

Joy is a traditional housewife thrust into a world of difficult choices when her health and pregnancy become critical. Her transformation from a passive participant in her life to an active fighter for women's rights showcases her resilience. Joy's character illustrates the internal and external battles faced by women during an era of societal change.

👩‍👧‍👦 Motherhood 🚺 Empowerment

Virginia (Sigourney Weaver)

As the founder of the Jane Collective, Virginia embodies strength and leadership. She is dedicated to providing safe abortions and supporting women, creating a network that defies societal norms. Her presence is pivotal, as she balances the challenges of the clinic while guiding Joy in her own journey of growth and involvement.

💪 Leadership 👩‍⚕️ Advocacy

Will (Chris Messina)

Will is Joy's husband, who begins as a conventional partner but undergoes a transformation as the realities of Joy's situation unfold. His initial anger evolves into understanding and support, emphasizing the importance of partnership and communication in the face of adversity. Will represents the male perspective in a turbulent time regarding women's rights.

👨‍👩‍👧 Support 👫 Partnership

Setting

Uncover the settings of Call Jane (2022), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

1968

The year 1968 was marked by significant social change and political turmoil in the United States. The fight for women's rights, culminating in the abortion debate, gained momentum amidst anti-war protests and civil rights demonstrations. This era symbolized a transitional period where traditional values were being challenged and redefined.

Location

Chicago

Chicago, a bustling city known for its rich history and cultural significance, serves as the backdrop for the struggles surrounding women's healthcare in 1968. The city is also notable for the Democratic National Convention protests occurring during this time, reflecting the societal upheaval and fight for civil rights. It is here that the Jane Collective emerges, providing vital underground services to women in need.

🏙️ City 🏥 Healthcare

Themes

Explore the core themes of Call Jane (2022). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


⚖️

Women’s Rights

The film highlights the struggle for women's reproductive rights during a time when abortion was illegal in many places. It showcases the importance of solidarity among women and the lengths they go to access safe healthcare. Joy's journey represents the broader fight for autonomy over one's body and choices.

🤝

Community Support

The story emphasizes the power of community and collective action in times of need. The Jane Collective represents a group of women coming together to support one another, providing necessary services when traditional healthcare fails them. This theme resonates with the idea of mutual aid and empowerment.

⚠️

Risk and Sacrifice

Joy's experiences reflect the risks and sacrifices women faced when seeking control over their reproductive choices. The film portrays the dangers of the back-alley abortion culture and the potential dangers that women must navigate in pursuit of their health and rights.

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