“20th Century Women” is a poignant coming-of-age drama directed by Mike Mills. Set in Santa Barbara, California, in the late 1970s, the film explores the lives of a diverse group of people and how they navigate the challenges and changes of the era.
The film opens with Dorothea Fields (Annette Bening), a middle-aged single mother, reflecting on her life and the changing world around her. She lives in a sprawling yet somewhat dilapidated house and feels disconnected from her teenage son, Jamie (Lucas Jade Zumann). Determined to provide Jamie with a well-rounded upbringing, Dorothea enlists the help of two women in her life: Abbie (Greta Gerwig), a free-spirited photographer who rents a room in their house, and Julie (Elle Fanning), Jamie’s childhood friend and confidante.
Dorothea, Abbie, and Julie all uniquely shape Jamie’s adolescence. After recovering from cervical cancer, Abbie introduces him to feminist literature and punk rock music, broadening his perspective and encouraging him to embrace a more open-minded approach to life. Julie, whom Jamie secretly pines for, has her own struggles but remains a constant presence in his life, offering a mix of friendship and unattainable love.
As these strong, complex women provide different forms of guidance and wisdom to Jamie, the film delves into their individual stories as well. Dorothea grapples with the generational gap and her sense of identity in a changing world, Abbie searches for meaning and creativity, and Julie wrestles with her feelings and desires.
The narrative unfolds through a series of interconnected vignettes, vividly depicting these characters’ lives, hopes, fears, and evolving relationships.
“20th Century Women” is a heartfelt exploration of the complexities of love, friendship, and family set against the backdrop of a transformative decade. With a stellar ensemble cast, including Annette Bening, Greta Gerwig, Elle Fanning, and Lucas Jade Zumann, the film weaves a narrative that is both nostalgic and timeless, celebrating the unique experiences and relationships that shape us into the people we become.
The Other Cinema 