Review: 20th Century Women
- Sammi Leigh Melville
- Jan 22, 2017
- 2 min read
Just in time for the inauguration, Mike Mills' 20TH CENTURY WOMEN hits theaters with a quiet shake of conventions. With its progressive themes and endearing characters, the semi-autobiographical film speaks volumes to this currently churning continent -- though it takes place in the 1970s, it is still thoroughly relatable today.
The story is narrated intermittently by its core characters, though the lead is taken by Jamie (Lucas Jade Zumann), who describes the women in his life who formed and influenced him. There is Dorothea (Annette Bening), Jamie's free-spirited single mother with an unfinished house and an internal struggle between autonomy and control; and then there is Abbie (Greta Gerwig), the punk-rock, 20-something photographer recovering from cervical cancer who rents a room in the house. And there is Jamie's best friend, Julie (Elle Fanning), who climbs the scaffolding to Jamie's room to sleep in his bed and just talk -- they never have sex, though she is freely exploring that realm with other boys.
In a household where freedom and autonomy is number one, Dorothea begins to worry as Jamie reaches his rebellious stage. She asks Abbie and Julie to help her raise Jamie to become a man -- a job which, she protests, does not need to be done by a man. What follows is a lovely, meandering story about chosen family, and feminism, and growing up.
20TH CENTURY WOMEN is light on the plot and heavy on the characters, making it a breeding ground for talent. Bening is a jewel, as usual, and Fanning and Gerwig give arguably their best performances to date. Zumann's performance is assuring, and hopefully he'll get some more roles thrown his way in the future. And Billy Crudup also gives a great performance as the other boarder in the house, the quiet but straightforward William who is helping Dorothea finish her house. The cast feels like a family, and that is what drives the story so deep into our hearts.
This is a great film, one to catch before other Oscar nominees crowd it out. 20TH CENTURY WOMEN is now playing at Midtown Cinema!
Movies bring stories to life through powerful visuals, memorable characters, and emotional moments. From action-packed adventures to quiet dramas, films connect audiences with different cultures and ideas. Watching a movie can be a relaxing escape or a shared experience with friends and family. Many viewers now discover films through digital platforms such as avflix, where entertainment is easily accessible. Whether classic cinema or modern blockbusters, movies continue to inspire imagination and spark conversations among people of all ages around the world.
I just finished reading "Review: 20th Century Women", and the examples made the message feel very concrete. The take home pay calculator angle was especially helpful for what I'm working on. I will revisit this post again.
A doll is more than a small toy. For many children, it becomes a close friend. Kids talk to their doll, dress it up, and carry it everywhere. This small figure can help a child learn care and kindness. In the middle of their playtime, they may even share secrets or dreams. If you want to see different styles and ideas, click this link to learn more. Dolls can be made of cloth, plastic, or wood. No matter the material, a doll often brings comfort, joy, and sweet memories that last for years.
This review captures the film’s thoughtful pacing and emotional depth really well. Much like ovo 2, it shows how growth comes from small moments, personal challenges, and learning through experience rather than following a straight, predictable path.
I stumbled on 20th Century Women a while back on Hulu when I was looking for something low-key and thoughtful to wind down with. For me, these kinds of Hulu reviews are super helpful—they cut through the noise and point you to the perfect film for your mood, whether you need something comforting or just want to relax without scrolling forever. This one really did feel like a warm hug; the characters and their messy, beautiful relationships just pull you right in. I’m so glad I found it there, as it’s become one of my go-to comfort movies for a quiet evening. It’s a gem, and I hope more people discover it this way.