CERTAIN WOMEN

"It's hard to imagine a more touching, enriching, human film ... this year than the latest from Kelly Reichardt ... reafirms [her] position as a master American director who understands the human experience better than most." – Little White Lies

Kelly Reichardt (Night Moves, MIFF 2014) continues her love affair with the American landscape and those who linger within its midst in her sixth feature. Across a triptych of vignettes, the writer/director examines small-town traditions and troubles, following three women finding their way forward through trying circumstances.

In the sleepy foothills of Montana, a lawyer (Laura Dern) juggles personal turmoil, a tense hostage situation and a difficult worker's compensation case. Nearby, a couple (Michelle Williams and James Le Gros) build the foundation for a new home while shattering the basis of their marriage, and a rancher (Lily Gladstone) bonds with a law-school graduate (Kristen Stewart).

Observed with Reichardt's usual empathy and incisiveness, their tales capture everyday moments, choices and encounters that seem insignificant but slowly prove otherwise. Boasting cinematographer Christopher Blauvelt's distinctive documentary-meets-arthouse aesthetic, as well as subtle yet powerful performances from the all-star cast, Certain Women doesn't just offer a slice of Midwest life; it presents a simmering insight into the physical isolation and male domination of rural existence.

"Reichardt artfully merges her two obsessions – the mid-western American landscape and women's psychology – by reworking and intertwining three short stories, with an uncanny gift for drawing forceful, yet intimate performances from actors (especially actresses) ... as usual, Reichardt is a master of subtle atmosphere and minute interactions." – Senses of Cinema

Find the book at Readings.