Certain Women

Certain Women is an introspective ensemble drama that eloquently captures the silent struggles and uncertainties of its leading female characters. Released in 2016, the movie is an intricate tapestry of overlapping stories featuring an all-star cast, including Michelle Williams, Kristen Stewart, and Laura Dern. It's a quietly intense, subtle, and thoughtful exploration of the oft-overlooked human tales that reside in the quiet corners of America's heartland.

The film, directed and written by Kelly Reichardt, is a delicate narrative that halts the march of traditional storytelling. Instead, it places an emphasis on character development and silent conflicts within a woman's life, drawing deeply personal and unhurried stories of human connection and disconnection. The script is based on three short stories from Maile Meloy's collection, "Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It," which focus on the complex and dynamic lives of three different women dwelling in Montana.

At the outset of Certain Women, we are introduced to Laura Wells (Laura Dern), a small-town lawyer caught in a complicated legal dispute with one of her clients. While Dern delivers an impeccable performance, the plotline highlights the frustration and fatigue of continually trying to make her voice heard in a man’s world.

The second thread follows Gina Lewis (Michelle Williams), a woman ambitiously trying to construct her dream home with her disinterested husband. She is largely unappreciated and her anxieties simmer under an air of silent despair, a testament to Williams' ability to beautifully portray characters that mirror real-world complexities.

The final story focuses on a young lawyer (Kristen Stewart) and a ranch worker, Jamie (Lily Gladstone). Gladstone’s performance delivers a heart-rending depiction of isolation and longing. The intensity and depth of emotion experienced by her character present a narrative filled with raw and deeply human sentiments.

Certain Women masterfully interconnects these stories, exploring the diverse lives of its titular women and their efforts to find meaning in the mundane and face challenges with gritty determination. However, it's not just about the struggles they face; it's a contemplative study of their resilience, persistence, and strength, individually and collectively. The placid pace of the film allows for these characters to unravel gently on screen, crafting an intimate atmosphere that is both reflective of their individual experiences and reverberates with shared womanhood.

Shot against the backdrop of a tranquil, rural Montana landscape, the film features mesmerizing cinematography which effectively juxtaposes the inherent tumult of the characters' interior lives. As the film evolves, the landscapes transform into silent characters themselves, emphasizing the solitude, vastness, and raw beauty that echoes the lives of its protagonists. The cinematography, combined with slow-burning dialogue and realistic performances, creates an indelible mark that lasts well past the credits.

The beauty of Certain Women lies in its ability to depict the raw, unspoken, and mundane aspects of life. Each narrative strand tells a story that is both personal and universal. The characters are real, flawed, and beautifully human, evoking the spirit of ordinary women grappling with life's uncertainties, dreams, and disappointments. While the film might lack a traditional narrative structure, it thrives in its understated elegance and the power of the performances.

The movie’s strength is its authenticity. It's a slice-of-life portrayal that doesn't shy away from the trials and tribulations that these women experience. The cast delivers performances that are nuanced, powerful and emotionally resonant. These are complemented by Reichardt's subtle directorial approach, which intentionally dampens dramatic intensity to offer a more realistic depiction of life's everyday struggles.

In essence, Certain Women is a celebration of the ordinary, a poignant exploration of femininity, and a profound homage to resilience. It is a testament to the silent strength of women that lives beneath the surface of everyday life. This film may not be everyone's cup of tea due to its patient storytelling style and nuanced character study, but for those willing to embark on this unhurried journey, you're likely to find a poignant and deeply rewarding cinematic experience.