The Keeping Room 2015
Directed by
Daniel Barber
Made by
Drafthouse Films
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Keeping Room (2015). 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.
As the relentless American Civil War approaches its conclusion, three Southern women—the steadfast Augusta and her younger sister Louise, alongside the resilient African-American slave Mad—find themselves isolated, devoid of male protection. Their tranquil lives quickly unravel with the unforeseen arrival of two rogue soldiers who have deserted the Union Army. In her search for medicine to ease her ailing sister’s suffering, Augusta stumbles upon the grim reality that has befallen their neighbor, who has met a tragic end due to poison. Her venture into a nearby tavern proves fruitless when the barkeep delivers a stern warning, compelling her to leave. It is there that she crosses paths with the miscreants Moses and Henry, soldiers who embody chaos and disruption.
As darkness descends, the women are jolted awake by disturbing sounds outside their home. Their fears are confirmed as they confront Moses and Henry, whose intentions are revealed through a violent encounter. In a frenzied shootout, Henry commits a horrific act against Louise, sparking Mad’s fury. In a moment of righteous vengeance, she retaliates against her assailant, while Augusta’s attempts leave Moses severely injured yet still alive.
In the wake of this brutal confrontation, the trio retreats to their kitchen, where Mad shares a haunting narrative of her traumatic childhood and the violations she endured. Tension hangs thick in the air as they prepare for either reinforcements or further peril. Unexpectedly, Bill, Mad’s long-lost lover, makes an entrance only to face a tragic end due to Augusta’s accidental gunfire. As he fades away, he ominously warns, >“They’re coming,” signaling a catastrophic reckoning that promises nothing but devastation.
Come morning, they find Moses barely alive, and he reveals himself to be a “bummer,” tasked with scavenging in advance of the main army. His menacing warning to Augusta about the ruthless advance of Billy adds a layer of urgency. Without hesitation, Augusta extinguishes Moses’s life, reflecting the brutal realities imposed by war.
As the sun sets, the three women deliberate their options for survival against the impending threat. Determined to defend their home, they seize the uniforms of their slain foes, transforming into makeshift soldiers. With grim resolve, they ignite their house, the flames symbolizing their indomitable spirit to face whatever horrors the night may bring.
As the scene widens, the trio’s figures merge into the approaching darkness, with the Union Army’s advance swiftly closing in, intent on turning everything they encounter into mere ash and rubble.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Keeping Room (2015) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Prelude to War
As the American Civil War nears its end, three Southern women find themselves in a precarious situation without male protection. Augusta, her sister Louise, and Mad, an African-American slave, are isolated and must navigate the dangers that come with changing times.
Arrival of Rogue Soldiers
The calmness of their rural life shatters with the unexpected arrival of two rogue soldiers who have deserted from the Union Army. Their presence brings an air of chaos, threatening the stability of the women's secluded existence.
Augusta's Quest for Medicine
In a desperate effort to find medicine for her ailing sister, Augusta ventures out. This quest leads her to discover the grim fate of a neighbor, who has met a tragic end due to poison, further highlighting the dangers of their surroundings.
Confrontation at the Tavern
Augusta's visit to a nearby tavern yields no help as the barkeep warns her of impending danger. This moment foreshadows the chaos about to erupt when she encounters the rogue soldiers, Moses and Henry.
Encounter with Moses and Henry
The tranquility of the night is shattered as the three women confront Moses and Henry. Their violent intentions become apparent, leading to a frightening confrontation that changes their lives forever.
A Violent Shootout
In a frenzied shootout, Henry inflicts a horrific act upon Louise, leading to Mad's fierce retaliation against him. In the midst of chaos, Augusta manages to severely injure Moses, leaving him alive but incapacitated.
Mad's Haunting Story
After the tumultuous events, the trio gathers in their kitchen where Mad shares her traumatic past. She recounts the horrors she has endured, adding a layer of emotional depth to their dire circumstances.
Bill's Tragic Entrance
Unexpectedly, Bill, Mad's long-lost lover, arrives but meets a tragic fate due to Augusta's accidental gunfire. His dying words carry a grave warning of impending danger, leaving the women to grapple with their choices.
Moses's Revelation
The next morning, the women find Moses barely alive. He reveals that he is a 'bummer'—a scout for the advancing army—and issues a chilling warning about the ruthless forces approaching, impelling Augusta to take drastic action.
Augusta's Brutal Decision
In a moment of cold pragmatism, Augusta extinguishes Moses's life, realizing the grim realities of their situation. This act symbolizes her transformation from a protective caretaker to a fighter against the horrors of war.
Preparing for Survival
As night falls, the three women deliberate their options for survival. With a fierce determination to protect their home, they decide to don the uniforms of their fallen enemies, committing to defend their space at all costs.
Igniting the Flames
As a final act of defiance, the women set their house ablaze. The flames serve not just as a signal to the approaching army but also as a powerful symbol of their indomitable spirit and refusal to submit to fear.
Facing the Approaching Darkness
The scene shifts to the three women merging into the darkness as they prepare to face the Union Army. Their resolve hardens as they await the oncoming threat, embodying the essence of survival in a ravaged war.
Imminent Reckoning
With the Union Army's advance imminent, the women brace themselves for the chaos that is about to envelop their lives. They understand that they will either become victims or fighters in the face of relentless destruction.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Keeping Room (2015) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Augusta (Hailee Steinfeld)
Augusta is the eldest sister, characterized by her steadfast determination and protective nature. She showcases remarkable strength and resourcefulness, particularly as she seeks to safeguard her sister and Mad against the chaos surrounding them. Despite her burden, Augusta embodies resilience even in the face of loss.
Louise (Brit Marling)
Louise, the younger sister, is portrayed as fragile yet strong, caught in the tumult of desperation and violence. Her vulnerability is immediately apparent, especially as she copes with her ailing health. Louise's character arc reflects themes of trauma and the impact of war on women.
Mad (Muna Otaru)
Mad is a powerful figure within the narrative, serving both as a resilient survivor and a harbinger of the past's traumas. Her strong spirit drives her actions, particularly in moments of vengeance, marking her as a crucial force in resisting their aggressors. Mad's story adds depth and poignancy to the themes of suffering and strength.
Moses
Moses is presented as a complex antagonist, representing the chaotic forces of war. Though a soldier with a fraught moral compass, his role reveals the desperation of those caught in the conflict. His interactions with the women underscore the unpredictability of the war and its impact on individuals.
Henry
Henry embodies the destructive forces of the war, marked by his violent actions. He stands as a symbol of the chaos wrought by conflicts, and his fate serves to escalate the narrative tension considerably. His horrific actions highlight the trauma inflicted on the female characters.
Bill (Kyle Soller)
Bill serves as a tragic figure whose arrival brings both hope and heartbreak. His presence is pivotal in revealing Mad's past and the desperation of love within a ravaged landscape. His untimely demise amplifies the themes of loss and urgency in the film.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Keeping Room (2015), 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
American Civil War era
Set during the American Civil War, a period characterized by intense national division and struggle over issues such as states' rights and slavery. The war saw many lives disrupted and landscapes ravaged, placing the characters in a constant state of fear and urgency as they navigate personal and societal turmoil.
Location
Southern US, Tavern, Kitchen
The story takes place in the Southern United States during the American Civil War, a region known for its rich history and tumultuous conflict. The women find themselves in a secluded home, flanked by desolation and danger. Key scenes unfold in a nearby tavern and their own kitchen, both settings highlighting the severity of their isolation amid chaos.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Keeping Room (2015). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Survival
The theme of survival permeates the narrative as the three women are forced to confront formidable threats in a harsh post-war landscape. Their desperate fight against rogue soldiers encapsulates the relentless struggle to protect themselves and each other. Survival becomes a shared mission, transforming each character as they adapt to their dire circumstances.
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Resilience
Resilience is a central theme showcased through the strength of the women as they face remarkable challenges. Even when confronted with violence and loss, Augusta, Louise, and Mad demonstrate an unwavering determination to reclaim their agency. Their collective endurance reflects a profound spirit amid the trauma wrought by war.
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Desperation
Desperation looms large as the women act out of sheer necessity to protect their lives. The harrowing events propel them to make extreme choices, including transforming into makeshift soldiers. The burning of their home stands as a metaphor for their desperate fight against an uncaring world.
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