The World to Come Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two 19th-century farm wives find solace and more in each other’s company because their husbands are terrible at small talk.

🍿 The World to Come: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Life on the 19th-Century Frontier

Set in 1856 upstate New York, Abigail and Dyer face the harsh realities of farm life, compounded by the recent loss of their daughter, Nellie. Their isolated existence is marked by grief and the daily grind of survival. Abigail’s journal entries provide insight into her stoic demeanor and unraveling emotions, highlighting the stark contrast between her inner world and the external challenges she faces.

The Arrival of Tallie and Finney

The arrival of a new couple, Tallie and Finney, disrupts Abigail and Dyer’s routine. Abigail is immediately drawn to Tallie, and they quickly form a close friendship. This bond offers both women an escape from the isolation and emotional void in their respective marriages. Abigail confides in Tallie about the lack of romance in her marriage, while Tallie reveals her own struggles with her controlling husband, Finney.

Blossoming Romance and Forbidden Love

As Abigail and Tallie spend more time together, their friendship deepens into a romantic relationship. Their bond becomes a source of joy and comfort, contrasting with the bleakness of their daily lives. The burgeoning love affair is fueled by shared intimacy and the need to feel seen and understood. However, their secret relationship creates tension and jealousy within their marriages, setting the stage for conflict.

Rising Tensions and Suspicion

The growing intimacy between Abigail and Tallie doesn’t go unnoticed. Dyer becomes increasingly aware of Abigail’s emotional distance, while Finney grows suspicious of Tallie’s frequent absences. The tension escalates during a strained dinner between the two couples, where Finney’s behavior raises concerns about Tallie’s safety. Following the dinner, Tallie abruptly disappears, leaving Abigail heartbroken and worried.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Abigail (Katherine Waterston): A grieving and isolated farm wife who finds solace and love in a forbidden relationship with her neighbor.
• Tallie (Vanessa Kirby): An emotionally open and captivating woman who enters into a passionate affair with Abigail.
• Dyer (Casey Affleck): Abigail’s stoic and dutiful husband who struggles to connect with his wife emotionally after the loss of their child.
• Finney (Christopher Abbott): Tallie’s controlling and potentially abusive husband who becomes suspicious of his wife’s relationship with Abigail.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Abigail: “Meeting you has made my day.” – Abigail expresses her genuine happiness upon forming a connection with Tallie.
• Tallie: “Oh, how pleasant and uncommon it is to make someone’s day.” – Tallie responds to Abigail, acknowledging the rarity of such genuine connection in their isolated lives.
• Abigail: “With little pride and less hope, we begin the new year.” – Abigail reflects on the bleakness of her existence before meeting Tallie, highlighting the impact of their relationship.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $116,143
• Worldwide Gross: $205,878

💥 The World to Come Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into the world of this movie. The stark landscapes and the quiet desperation of the characters really resonated with me. Katherine Waterston’s performance was so raw and honest; I felt every emotion she was going through. I found myself thinking about the film long after I watched it. It’s a beautifully sad story that reminds us of the importance of human connection.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of period dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in LGBTQ+ stories”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven narratives”
  • “Lovers of indie films with strong performances”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depiction of grief and loss”
  • “Intimate scenes between women”
  • “Implied violence”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Mona Fastvold crafts a beautifully bleak landscape for a story of forbidden love. Waterston and Kirby deliver powerful performances, capturing the yearning and desperation of two women finding solace in each other amidst hardship. The film’s slow pace may not appeal to all, but the emotional resonance is undeniable.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While the film’s premise is familiar, the execution is captivating. The cinematography is stunning, and the performances are nuanced. ‘The World to Come’ is a melancholic meditation on love, loss, and the search for connection in a desolate world. The ending leaves a lasting impact.
• Variety: “The film offers a nuanced portrayal of female desire and the constraints of 19th-century society. The slow-burn romance simmers with unspoken longing, making the eventual consummation all the more powerful. Affleck and Abbott bring depth to their supporting roles, adding layers of complexity to the central relationship.

Audience Reactions

The chemistry between the two leading ladies was incredible and felt so real.: Viewers consistently praised the authentic and moving performances of Katherine Waterston and Vanessa Kirby.

The beautiful cinematography and haunting score amplified the film’s emotional impact.: Many appreciated the film’s artistic qualities, noting the stunning visuals and evocative music.

Overall Consensus: A beautifully shot and acted but ultimately bleak period drama that explores themes of love, loss, and isolation on the 19th-century American frontier.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot entirely in a national park in Romania, using sets that were meticulously designed and built from the ground up by production designer Jean-Vincent Puzos.”
• “The film is based on a short story by Jim Shepard, adapted into a screenplay that explores themes of isolation, grief, and forbidden love in a historical setting.”

🖥️ How to Watch The World to Come?

The World to Come is available for streaming on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, where you can rent or purchase the film. Check local listings for cable and satellite options. You can also find it on demand through your local cable provider’s streaming service.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The World to Come, you might like these similar films:

• Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019): Both films are period lesbian romances set in a visually stunning and emotionally intense environment, exploring the themes of forbidden love and artistic expression.
• Ammonite (2020): Features a similar theme of a forbidden romance in a historical setting, depicting the struggles and constraints faced by women in those eras.
• Brokeback Mountain (2005): Explores a similar theme of forbidden love in a repressed, rural setting, showcasing the emotional and societal challenges faced by the characters.
• The Piano (1993): While not a lesbian romance, it shares the theme of a woman finding solace and connection in a harsh, isolated environment.

🛒 The World to Come Related Products

• The World to Come (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Digital Download]: Experience the evocative and haunting original score by Daniel Blumberg, featuring clarinet solos and vocal performances that perfectly capture the film’s mood. Digital download provides instant access to the soundtrack.
• Frontier Women: An American Portrait: Explore the lives and stories of women who lived on the American frontier in the 19th century. This book offers insights into the challenges and triumphs of these remarkable women, providing historical context for the film’s themes.
• 19th Century American Clothing Set: Create an authentic diorama of a 19th century home with miniature figures, clothing, and furniture. Enhance your connection with the film by recreating characters, scenes, and costumes. This can be used with other characters you have on hand to recreate other historical or creative dioramas as well!
• Vintage Style Journal: Capture your thoughts and experiences in this beautiful, leather-bound journal reminiscent of Abigail’s diary. Its aged paper and elegant design create a tangible connection to the film’s era.

🎧 Soundtrack

The World to Come features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The World to Come” – performed by Daniel Blumberg & Josephine Foster
• “Clarinet Solo (Original Score)” – performed by Daniel Blumberg

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Abigail and Tallie (The World To Come) :: ivy by Taylor Swift

Obsessed with Abigail and Tallie’s love story? This fan-made music video set to Taylor Swift’s “ivy” perfectly captures the movie’s bittersweet romance. Honestly, it gave me chills!

Vanessa Kirby and Katherine Waterson Talk Falling In Love in New Film THE WORLD TO COME

Ever wonder what it was like for Vanessa Kirby and Katherine Waterson to prepare for their roles? They get super real about portraying such an intimate relationship on screen. I loved hearing their takes on it!

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