Certain Women

Certain Women is an American drama film from 2016, directed by Kelly Reichardt. It stars Michelle Williams, Kristen Stewart, and Laura Dern as strong, independent women trying to navigate their own lives in Montana. The film is divided into three separate storylines, each portraying the everyday struggles faced by these women.

In the first story, Laura Wells (Laura Dern) is a lawyer who is struggling to get her client, Fuller (Jared Harris), to understand that he doesn't have a case. Fuller is a disgruntled former worker who feels he was exposed to dangerous chemicals and demands compensation. Laura is trying her best to reason with him but she can't seem to get through to him. Meanwhile, Laura is also trying to deal with a man at home who is not giving her the attention that she needs.

The second story follows Gina (Michelle Williams) and her husband, Ryan (James Le Gros). They are trying to build a house in the middle of nowhere, but their relationship is not going well. Gina wants to take control of the project and make all the decisions, but Ryan is resistant. In an effort to make the project work, they turn to a local elderly man by the name of Albert (Rene Auberjonois) for help. Gina has a vision, but she needs Albert's expertise to make it a reality.

The third and final story revolves around a young, independent woman named Beth (Kristen Stewart). She works a low-paying job teaching adult education classes, but her passion is horseback riding. She is trying to save up enough money to buy a horse, and in the meantime, she is volunteering her time to teach a rancher, Jamie (Lily Gladstone), how to read. Jamie becomes infatuated with Beth, but Beth has no interest in a romantic relationship. This creates a complicated situation between the two women, as Jamie tries to build a relationship with Beth even as Beth remains uninterested.

What makes this film unique is its slow-moving pace, its emphasis on the mundane and the everyday, and the strong performances from its three leading ladies. Michelle Williams, as always, is fantastic in the movie. She brings depth and authenticity to her character, and her performance is both subtle and moving.

Kristen Stewart, too, is excellent in the film. She portrays Beth as a quiet and reserved woman who is content with her life, but who also has a deep desire for something more. Laura Dern is also wonderful as Laura, a woman who is struggling to balance her personal and professional life, all while dealing with the flawed individuals around her.

Overall, Certain Women is a beautifully crafted film that examines the struggles and challenges of modern-day women trying to find their way in a world that is often cold and indifferent. Its muted colors, gorgeous cinematography, and stirring performances all come together to create a work of art that is both thought-provoking and deeply moving.