20th Century Women Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A chain-smoking mom in 1970s California asks two younger women to help her raise her son, leading to a series of awkward and slightly pretentious coming-of-age moments.

🍿 20th Century Women: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Dorothea’s Dilemma

In 1979 Santa Barbara, Dorothea Fields, a single mother in her mid-50s, grapples with raising her teenage son Jamie in a rapidly changing world. Feeling out of touch with his generation, she seeks help from two younger women in her life. Dorothea is a complex character, a chain-smoking, independent woman who is both loving and insecure, a product of a different era trying to navigate the modern age.

Enlisting Help: Abbie and Julie

Dorothea enlists the support of Abbie, a 24-year-old punk artist and photographer recovering from cervical cancer, and Julie, a sharp-tongued 17-year-old neighbor and Jamie’s close friend. These two women represent different facets of contemporary womanhood, offering Jamie perspectives that Dorothea feels unable to provide. Abbie introduces Jamie to feminist literature and punk music, while Julie navigates her own complex relationship with sexuality and intimacy.

Jamie’s Coming of Age

Jamie’s journey is one of exploration and self-discovery, influenced by the women around him. He grapples with questions of identity, sexuality, and the changing social landscape. His relationship with Julie is particularly complex, marked by a deep connection and emotional intimacy, but a lack of physical intimacy. He navigates the challenges of adolescence with the unconventional support system Dorothea has created.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dorothea Fields (Annette Bening): A determined, chain-smoking single mother in 1979 Santa Barbara, struggling to connect with her teenage son Jamie.
• Jamie Fields (Lucas Jade Zumann): A 15-year-old boy navigating adolescence in a bohemian household with a desire to understand the women in his life.
• Abbie Porter (Greta Gerwig): A free-spirited, punk-influenced photographer and boarder who offers Jamie a feminist perspective on the world.
• Julie Hamlin (Elle Fanning): A sexually active but emotionally guarded 17-year-old girl who has a close but platonic relationship with Jamie.
• William (Billy Crudup): A laid-back handyman and former hippie who provides a male presence and performs renovations at Dorothea’s house.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dorothea: “Wondering if you’re happy is a great shortcut to just being depressed.” – Dorothea offers this concise piece of wisdom to Jamie when he asks her if she’s happy, revealing her pragmatic approach to life.
• Julie: “Guys aren’t supposed to look like they’re thinking about what they look like.” – Julie’s comment reflects her perspective on masculinity and societal expectations around gender roles.
• Dorothea: “When I started, they weren’t bad for you. They were stylish and edgy so it’s different for me.” – Dorothea says this to Julie while in the car when Julie asks for a cigarette.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $7,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $5,664,764
• Worldwide Gross: $7,214,806

💥 20th Century Women Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ’20th Century Women’! It felt like peeking into a real family’s life, with all their quirks and struggles. Annette Bening is incredible, and the whole cast has such amazing chemistry. I was especially moved by the scenes where Dorothea tries to connect with Jamie’s world. The ending got me a bit teary-eyed. It’s a film that sticks with you long after you watch it, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories. I also found the Soundtrack amazing, and a reason to watch the movie alone.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of coming-of-age stories”
  • “Viewers interested in feminist themes”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven dramas”
  • “People nostalgic for the 1970s”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes including sexuality and cancer”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Smoking”

Professional Reviews

• The New Yorker: “Mike Mills creates a tender, insightful portrait of family and identity. The film balances humor and pathos, showcasing the complexities of human connection and the evolving roles of women. Annette Bening delivers a career-defining performance.
• RogerEbert.com: “Mills’s semi-autobiographical story is brought to life by a stellar cast. It’s a poignant exploration of motherhood and growing up, set against the backdrop of a changing America. The film resonates with its authentic characters and genuine emotion.
• Variety: “The film’s strength lies in its nuanced characters and their interconnected relationships. The performances are captivating, and Mills captures the spirit of the late 70s with precision and heart. It’s a thoughtful and engaging cinematic experience.

Audience Reactions

Viewers praised the authentic portrayal of 1970s life and culture.: The film’s relatable characters and emotional depth resonated with many viewers.

Fans loved the film’s exploration of motherhood, identity, and generational differences.: Annette Bening’s performance was universally praised.

Overall Consensus: 20th Century Women is a critically acclaimed film that offers a heartfelt and insightful look at family, identity, and the complexities of human relationships, particularly the bond between a mother and her son. It’s a must-watch for fans of character-driven dramas.

Awards

1. National Board of Review (Top Ten Independent Films)- 2016

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is loosely based on director Mike Mills’ own childhood and his relationship with his mother and the women who influenced him.”
• “During rehearsals, the cast was encouraged to bring in music they believed their characters listened to, creating a shared understanding of their roles.”
• “Mike Mills also creates posters and fabrics as part of a series of works called “Humans by Mike Mills”.”

🖥️ How to Watch 20th Century Women?

As of October 2024, “20th Century Women” is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability and pricing. It is not currently streaming on major subscription services like Netflix or Hulu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed 20th Century Women, you might like these similar films:

• Beginners (2010): Also directed by Mike Mills, it explores complex family relationships with a semi-autobiographical approach, focusing on the director’s relationship with his father.
• The Kids Are All Right (2010): Features a non-traditional family structure and explores themes of parenting, identity, and evolving relationships, similar to the dynamics in ’20th Century Women’.
• Almost Famous (2000): Captures the spirit of the 1970s with a coming-of-age story centered around music, self-discovery, and unconventional relationships.
• Lady Bird (2017): A coming-of-age story with a strong female lead, exploring mother-daughter relationships and the search for identity during adolescence.

🛒 20th Century Women Related Products

• 20th Century Women [Blu-ray]: Own the critically acclaimed film on Blu-ray and relive the heartwarming story and exceptional performances. A must-have for any movie collector.
• Our Bodies, Ourselves: A Book by and for Women: Read the book referenced in the movie, a groundbreaking resource on women’s health and sexuality. This edition provides updated information and insights.
• Talking Heads: 77 [Vinyl]: Experience the iconic debut album from Talking Heads on vinyl. Featuring timeless tracks, it’s a piece of music history. It was featured in a scene where Abbie explains to Dorthea what punk music is. She was wearing a Talking Heads shirt.
• Movie Poster: Movie poster, standard size, available in multiple formats.

🎧 Soundtrack

20th Century Women features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Don’t Worry About the Government” – performed by Talking Heads
• “The Harder They Come” – performed by Jimmy Cliff
• “Why Can’t I Touch It?” – performed by Buzzcocks
• “Ema” – performed by Los Destellos
• “Our Lips Are Sealed” – performed by The Go-Go’s

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

20th Century Women | Annette Bening | Official Featurette HD | A24

Ever wondered how Annette Bening prepared for her role in 20th Century Women? This featurette gives you an exclusive look! I was fascinated to see her process and how it brought the character to life.

20th Century Women | Modern World | Official Promo HD | A24

Want a quick taste of what 20th Century Women is all about? This promo perfectly captures the vibe of the ‘Modern World’ theme! I think it’s a super effective glimpse into the story.

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