Parents' Guide to

Certain Women

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Quiet drama examines modern relationships.

Movie R 2016 107 minutes
Certain Women Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 18+

Based on 1 parent review

Julie T.
Julie T. Adult
October 31, 2017
age 18+

Too much like an acting class exercise

Nothing happens. The characters are portrayed as losers - but "winners" because they plod forward, accepting the hopeless entrapment of their environs. A downer for me.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Laura (Laura Dern) is a lawyer who's asked to go above and beyond when a client becomes despondent. Gina (Michelle Williams) is planning her dream house, despite her teenage daughter's obvious irritation -- and a husband who's less than fully supportive. And Beth (Kristen Stewart) is the new teacher at an evening continuing-education class who's befriended by a lonely ranch hand (Lily Gladstone). The three tales about these CERTAIN WOMEN are based on short stories by Maile Meloy and all set in rural Montana. They show people engaging in the everyday and the ordinary -- and sometimes frighteningly extraordinary -- as director Kelly Reichardt teases out the fundamental emotions that make the characters' experiences both meaningful and recognizable.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Certain Women is a finely acted meditation on everyday women who are tested by everyday struggles, big and small. Great performances anchor a slow-to-build film that's somewhat undone by the feeling that, although much has happened, nothing much really has. Reichardt is great at establishing atmosphere, which this movie has in spades thanks to a broody palette. But in the end we're left to wonder what it's all about. Just like its title, Certain Women feels somewhat vague.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about relationships. What can you learn from the way the main characters in Certain Women connect with the people around them? Do their interactions seem natural? Can you find parallels in your own life?

  • How does the movie's pace compare the loud, fast storytelling that's common in today's film industry? Which do you prefer?

  • Do the women in the three stories demonstrate empathy for the people around them?

Movie Details

  • In theaters: October 14, 2016
  • On DVD or streaming: September 19, 2017
  • Cast: Laura Dern , Michelle Williams , Kristen Stewart
  • Director: Kelly Reichardt
  • Inclusion Information: Female directors, Female actors, Black actors, Gay actors
  • Studio: IFC Films
  • Genre: Drama
  • Run time: 107 minutes
  • MPAA rating: R
  • MPAA explanation: some language
  • Last updated: February 26, 2023

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