Directed by
Josephine Decker
Made by
Oscilloscope Laboratories
Madeline, a solitary teenager, finds herself immersed in a dynamic world of professional acting as part of an experimental theater troupe staging an improv performance based on The Three Little Pigs. She relishes the camaraderie with her fellow actors and their director, Evangeline, yet she dreads returning home to her mother, Regina, who often fails to grasp Madeline’s complexities and initiates arguments. One fateful day during rehearsal, Madeline confides in Evangeline about a troubling dream where she imagines placing a hot iron on her mother. Disturbed yet intrigued by this disturbing imagery, Evangeline suggests they explore the dream through an improv exercise. The emotional weight of blending her life and her art overwhelms Madeline, prompting her to leave the theater, leading to a frantic search by Regina.
Upon reuniting with her daughter, Regina learns about Madeline’s expired prescriptions for a mental health condition, intensifying her struggle to secure a swift refill. As the creative process unfolds, Evangeline shifts her attention towards Madeline’s experiences, steering the artistic focus of their performance towards her life. During a promotional photoshoot, she invites Regina to join Madeline, further entrenching their familial ties in the project. When Madeline is invited to Evangeline’s birthday celebration post-rehearsal, she showcases her acting prowess amongst bewildered guests, even flirtatiously engaging with Evangeline’s husband.
Striking a chord of vulnerability, Madeline and Evangeline discuss their personal insecurities, leading Madeline to express a desire to step back from acting. Evangeline supports this choice, fostering a sense of relief in Madeline as she contemplates her newfound creative freedom. However, this reprieve feels short-lived when Evangeline unexpectedly visits Madeline’s home. Over shared glasses of wine, Evangeline encourages Regina to explore acting, suggesting she attend rehearsal the next day.
During rehearsal, tensions rise as Evangeline orchestrates a workshop where the cast is instructed to embody Regina, unknowingly igniting deep-seated emotions in Madeline. Her portrayal strikes a nerve, prompting Regina to exit the rehearsal in tears. Unfazed, Evangeline revels in the authenticity of the emotions, pushing for a reenactment of the scene while stepping outside for a crucial phone call. In her absence, the cast grows disenchanted by Evangeline’s perceived manipulation of Madeline’s feelings and bond together to stage a provocative performance designed to confront her.
At first, Evangeline resists the shoving and prodding, but ultimately, she becomes integrated into this unconventional performance. The confrontation leads to an impromptu expression of freedom as the entire troupe spills into the street, dancing joyfully in the sunlight, while Madeline strides away in the opposite direction, navigating the complexities of her life.
Madeline Joins the Theater Troupe
Madeline, a solitary teenager, discovers a newfound passion as she joins a dynamic experimental theater troupe. This marks the beginning of her journey where she will engage in a live production of *The Three Little Pigs* alongside her fellow actors and their director, Evangeline.
Conflict with Mother
While Madeline enjoys the camaraderie of the theater, she struggles with the relationship she has with her mother, Regina. Their conversations often lead to arguments, as Regina fails to understand Madeline's deeper emotional needs.
Disturbing Dream Confession
During a rehearsal, Madeline shares a troubling dream with Evangeline, where she envisions placing a hot iron on her mother. This disturbing imagery raises concerns, prompting Evangeline to suggest they explore the dream through improv exercises to understand Madeline's feelings better.
Emotional Overwhelm
The emotional burden of intertwining her life and art becomes too much for Madeline. Feeling overwhelmed, she decides to leave the theater, instigating a frantic search by her mother, Regina, who worries for her daughter's well-being.
Maternal Concerns
Upon their reunion, Regina learns of Madeline's expired prescriptions for her mental health condition. This revelation heightens Regina's anxiety as she struggles to get her daughter the necessary care and medication while trying to manage her own emotions.
Shifting Focus of the Play
Evangeline begins to shift the artistic direction of their performance to reflect Madeline's personal experiences. This decision brings the emotional narrative to the forefront, fostering deeper connections amongst the cast.
Photoshoot with Regina
During a promotional photoshoot for the production, Evangeline invites Regina to join Madeline, reinforcing familial ties as they both become part of the creative process. This moment emphasizes the blend of personal and artistic expression.
Evangeline's Birthday Celebration
Madeline is invited to celebrate Evangeline's birthday after a rehearsal. Showcasing her acting skills, Madeline engages with the guests, including a flirtation with Evangeline's husband, which adds another layer of complexity to her existence in the theater world.
Discussion of Insecurities
A heartfelt conversation between Madeline and Evangeline reveals their vulnerabilities. Madeline expresses her desire to step back from acting, and Evangeline supports her decision, giving Madeline a moment of relief and space to explore her identity.
Unexpected Home Visit
Evangeline unexpectedly visits Madeline at home, where they share wine and discuss acting. Evangeline encourages Regina to take an interest in the theatrical world, suggesting she attend the next rehearsal, thus intertwining their lives further.
Emotional Workshop
At rehearsal, tensions rise when Evangeline leads an exercise where the cast portrays Regina. This unintentional act strikes a deep emotional chord with Madeline, leading her mother to leave the session in tears, showcasing the raw emotions at play.
Cast Confrontation
As Evangeline steps outside to take a phone call, the cast grows wary of her approaches with their emotions. Tired of her perceived manipulation, they come together to stage a performance reflecting their discontent directed toward Evangeline.
Impulsive Performance
Evangeline's refusal to comply with the cast's confrontation results in her being caught up in an improvised expression of freedom. The cast spills into the street, dancing joyfully, while Madeline chooses to walk away, seeking clarity in her life.
Madeline's Revelation
As the cast celebrates their expressiveness in the street, Madeline reflects on her own complexities and relationship with her mother. This marks a significant moment of personal growth for her, allowing for newfound insights into her life and art.
Madeline (Helena Howard)
Madeline is a solitary and introspective teenager engaged in the world of experimental theater. She grapples with her complex emotions and mental health issues, which are brought to the forefront through her artistic endeavors. Her character reflects vulnerability and resilience as she navigates the challenges of expressing herself creatively while managing her relationship with her mother.
Evangeline (Molly Parker)
Evangeline is the director of the experimental theater troupe, known for her insightful yet intrusive approach to art. She serves as both a mentor and a source of confusion for Madeline, encouraging her to delve into her personal struggles in her work. Her character embodies the often tricky balance between creative passion and emotional manipulation.
Regina (Miranda July)
Regina is Madeline’s mother, struggling to understand her daughter's complexities and often engaging in heated arguments. Her character reveals the challenges of parental relationships, especially in the face of mental health issues. Despite her shortcomings, Regina's journey underscores her desire to connect with Madeline.
Time period
The story appears to take place in contemporary times, reflecting modern themes of mental health and artistic expression. The dynamics of personal relationships and the pressures of creative professions are highlighted, resonating with current societal issues.
Location
Theater, Madeline's Home
The movie largely unfolds in a vibrant theater setting where a group of actors are engaged in experimental performances. This immersive environment fosters creativity and camaraderie among the troupe. Madeline's home serves as a contrasting backdrop, representing the challenges of her personal life and the strained relationship with her mother.
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Art vs. Life
The film explores the intricate boundary between personal experiences and artistic expression. Madeline's journey is a profound reflection on how art can be both a sanctuary and a source of turmoil for individuals, revealing deeper truths about their lives. The influence of the theater on her identity showcases the duality of creativity as both a liberating and constraining force.
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Family Struggles
Central to the narrative is the tumultuous relationship between Madeline and her mother. Episodes of misunderstanding and emotional upheaval depict the complexities of familial love and conflict. This theme underscores the challenges that arise when personal struggles are laid bare in the midst of creative collaboration.
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Self-Discovery
Madeline's journey is one of self-exploration, as she navigates the expectations placed upon her and her own artistic desires. Her experiences in the theater push her to confront her mental health challenges, and her interactions with Evangeline spur her to examine her identity and aspirations beyond acting.
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