by Joe Hammerschmidt
I had gone into “Certain Women” looking for an escape; almost didn’t go to the screening, since I honestly knew nothing of the film to begin with, or of many of the folks involved. But it was easily a firm reminder that even the quietest films could have the loudest impact, speaking to women looking for a voice of experience. Indie veteran Kelly Reichart (adapting from a trio of short stories by Maile Meloy) is that voice, bringing life to three stories loosely intertwined together, told under the pictureesque landscape of central Montana: small claims lawyer Laura (Laura Dern) and his disgruntled client Fuller (Jared Harris) as they attempt to save his dying court case; husband and wife Gina and Ryan (Michelle Williams and James Le Gros) as they build their dream home, teenage daughter Guthrie (Sara Rodier) in tow; and Jamie (Lily Gladstone), a lonely ranchhand who falls for Beth, a young lawyer teaching an adult education class several hours out of her way.
Personally, I feel I hadn’t given this film much of a chance. From what I could see, it gave a new perspective to those simple pleasures of life, love especially. And each actor brings everything they could to grow that POV; my favorites being Stewart with Gladstone, one the overworked city girl looking for breathing room, the other having never ventured farther than the wilderness behind her small town. They were meant to be, simply put. Here is a story worth telling, with as much complexity as a vampire tale, and more connectivity than most modern-day children’s fiction. For all that’s brought into play, Reichart rolls with it, like the near-lifeless plains she had found to let the connections take root. Worth watching more than once, just so it can really sink in. (A-)
“Certain Women” is rated R (for some language), playing exclusively at the Egyptian on Capitol Hill; additional theaters to follow. 107 minutes.
