Certain Women 2016
Directed by
Kelly Reichardt
Made by
IFC Films
Plot Summary
In Livingston, Montana, attorney Laura Wells is grappling with a disgruntled client named Fuller, who has been repeatedly visiting her office for the past eight months. After suffering a workplace injury that has left him disabled, Fuller finds himself unemployed and frustrated. Despite Laura’s advice to seek another lawyer, he is resistant. When Fuller meets with the new attorney, he hears what Laura had explained previously: even though the company is at fault for his injuries, he cannot pursue further legal action because he previously accepted a small settlement offer from them.
On his journey back home, Fuller has a heated argument with his wife and ends up getting kicked out of their car. In desperation, he flags down Laura for a ride back to Livingston, revealing his dark thoughts about wanting to shoot those responsible for his plight.
That evening, Laura receives a harrowing call from the police informing her that Fuller has taken a security guard hostage at his former workplace. With trepidation, Laura agrees to enter the building to negotiate with Fuller. Upon finding him, she uncovers his employee file at his behest, which reveals the details of how he was cheated out of his rightful settlement. As Fuller contemplates releasing the guard, he asks Laura to mislead the police about his demands, but she opts for honesty and informs them of his location, resulting in his arrest.
Parallel to Fuller’s story, we meet Gina and Ryan Lewis, a couple constructing their rural home with their teenage daughter. Tensions arise as Gina feels Ryan frequently undermines her decisions, particularly during an encounter with Albert, an elderly man they hope to convince to sell them sandstone. Gina stealthily records their conversation, leading to a debate in their car about whether to go through with taking the sandstone after Albert reluctantly agrees to their proposal.
Meanwhile, Jamie, a ranch hand living in solitude, stumbles upon an evening class on education law taught by Beth Travis. Intrigued, Jamie attends each week despite her lack of interest in the subject. Their bond deepens when Jamie brings her horse to class one day, but she is devastated to learn that Beth has quit shortly thereafter. Determined, Jamie ventures into Livingston to find her. After a bittersweet encounter, she leaves feeling empty and ultimately succumbs to exhaustion, falling asleep at the wheel and driving into a field.
As the story unfolds, Laura continues her visitations with Fuller in prison, bringing a sense of understanding despite the circumstances. Gina enjoys a barbecue with friends, receiving appreciation for her hard work, as she takes a moment to smile at the sandstone. Meanwhile, Jamie persists with her daily routine at the ranch, navigating her own bittersweet journey through the complexities of life in Livingston.
Timeline
Fuller’s Legal Struggles
In Livingston, Montana, attorney Laura Wells is confronted by her client Fuller, who has been visiting her for eight months. After a workplace injury left him disabled, Fuller learns he cannot pursue further legal action due to a previous settlement, leaving him frustrated and hopeless.
Argument with Wife
Following his meeting with Laura, Fuller has a heated argument with his wife while traveling home. The confrontation escalates, and Fuller is ultimately kicked out of their car, adding to his sense of isolation and despair.
Desperate Plea for Help
In desperation after being ejected from the car, Fuller flags down Laura for a ride back to Livingston. During the ride, he expresses dark thoughts about wanting to harm those he feels are responsible for his situation, highlighting his mental state.
Hostage Situation Emerges
That evening, Laura receives a distressing phone call from the police, informing her that Fuller has taken a security guard hostage at his former workplace. This shocking event compels Laura to confront Fuller directly in an attempt to negotiate.
Negotiation Begins
Laura enters the building to negotiate with Fuller, showing her commitment to help him despite the high stakes. She discovers Fuller’s employee file, which reveals how he was cheated out of his rightful settlement, deepening the complexity of his case.
Tension Rises
As negotiations unfold, Fuller contemplates releasing the hostage but requests Laura to mislead the police about his demands. Laura chooses honesty, revealing his location to the authorities, which leads to Fuller’s eventual arrest.
Gina and Ryan’s Home Construction
In parallel, Gina and Ryan Lewis work on constructing their rural home with their teenage daughter. Tensions build as Gina feels undermined by Ryan, particularly during a pivotal encounter with an elderly man named Albert regarding sandstone.
Recording the Deal
Gina secretly records a conversation with Albert during their negotiation. This leads to a heated debate with Ryan in their car about whether to proceed with acquiring the sandstone after Albert begrudgingly agrees to their terms.
Jamie’s Journey to Education
Jamie, a ranch hand, discovers an evening class on education law taught by Beth Travis and decides to attend. Despite her initial lack of interest, she finds herself intrigued and builds a connection with Beth.
Bittersweet Connection
As their bond deepens, Jamie brings her horse to class, but her world shatters when Beth unexpectedly quits. Feeling lost, Jamie ventures to Livingston in search of answers, only to be met with disappointment.
Tragic Accident
Overcome with exhaustion after her failed search, Jamie falls asleep at the wheel and crashes into a field. This tragic moment highlights the overwhelming toll life’s struggles have taken on her mental and physical wellbeing.
Laura’s Ongoing Support
Despite the trauma surrounding Fuller’s actions, Laura continues to visit him in prison, seeking to understand his perspective. Her compassion presents a glimmer of hope in a bleak situation for both of them.
A Moment of Joy for Gina
As tension simmers down, Gina enjoys a barbecue gathering with friends, where her hard work is acknowledged and celebrated. This moment of happiness contrasts sharply with the struggles faced by Fuller and Jamie.
Jamie’s Routine Continues
Throughout these tumultuous events, Jamie tries to maintain her daily routine at the ranch. Her determination to navigate the harsh realities of life in Livingston further emphasizes the film's exploration of personal challenges.
Characters
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.
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.
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.
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.
Setting
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.
Themes
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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.
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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.
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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.
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