The Keeping Room

The Keeping Room is a 2014 American historical drama film directed by Daniel Barber and written by Julia Hart. The film stars Brit Marling, Hailee Steinfeld, and Sam Worthington in leading roles. The film explores the lives of three young women, Augusta (Brit Marling), Louise (Hailee Steinfeld), and Mad (Muna Otaru), who live on a farm in rural Georgia during the final days of the American Civil War.

As the war rages around them, the three women must find a way to survive in a world dominated by violent men. With the men away fighting, the women are left to fend for themselves against marauding soldiers, rogue bandits, and other dangerous threats. Despite their differences, the women must work together to protect each other and their home from harm.

Augusta is the eldest of the three women and is a self-reliant and pragmatic woman who takes on a leadership role. Louise, the youngest, is more innocent and naive, but her courage and determination shine through as she learns to cope with the harsh realities of war. Mad, a young African American woman, is also a slave on the farm but is treated with kindness and consideration by Augusta and Louise.

The movie begins with the women struggling to survive on their farm, which has been damaged by the war. When Augusta goes into town to sell some produce, she meets two Union soldiers, Moses (Sam Worthington) and Henry (Kyle Soller), who are deserters. Although Augusta is initially wary of the men, she decides to invite them back to the farm to help with repairs.

Over the course of the movie, the relationships between the women and the two soldiers evolve in unexpected ways. Moses, hardened by the war, initially tries to assert his dominance over the women, but as they begin to work together, he develops a deeper respect for their strength and bravery. Henry, meanwhile, becomes more and more unhinged, posing a threat to everyone around him.

The Keeping Room is a tense and gripping film that explores themes of survival, resilience, and the importance of human connection in times of crisis. The movie is notable for its strong performances, particularly from Brit Marling, who brings a quiet strength and dignity to her role. Hailee Steinfeld and Sam Worthington also deliver solid performances, with Steinfeld showing impressive range as she portrays Louise's evolution from a timid farm girl to a fierce protector.

The movie is set against a backdrop of stunning cinematography, with the rugged landscape of rural Georgia providing a stark and haunting contrast to the brutality of war. The film's sparse, minimalist score adds to the sense of unease and tension, creating a visceral and immersive experience for the viewer.

In conclusion, The Keeping Room is a powerful and thought-provoking film that sheds light on a little-known aspect of American history. The movie offers a poignant examination of the tolls of war on ordinary people, and on the strength and resilience of women in particular. With its strong performances, stunning visuals, and visceral storytelling, The Keeping Room is a must-see film for anyone interested in historical dramas.