Certain Women

  • 2016
  • R
  • 107m
movieMx RATING
6.0
380
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Certain Women Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: May 17, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: May 17, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: Certain Women

MovieCertain Women
Release Year2016
DirectorKelly Reichardt
GenreDrama
Runtime107 minutes (1h 47m)
LanguageEN

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Certain Women (2016) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.

🎭 Cast & Character Study

The performances in Certain Women are led by Laura Dern . The supporting cast, including Kristen Stewart and Michelle Williams , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of Certain Women (2016) is mixed. It has its moments but fails to leave a lasting impression. With a platform rating of 6.0/10, it currently stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our database.

What Works in the Movie

While Certain Women does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.

  • Interesting concept or premise
  • Some entertaining scenes
  • Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights

What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, Certain Women has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.

  • Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
  • Some predictable plot developments
  • May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase

Story & Plot Summary: Certain Women

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2016, Certain Women is a Drama film directed by Kelly Reichardt, written by Kelly Reichardt. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Laura Dern as Laura.

Ending Explained: Certain Women

Certain Women Ending Explained: Three strong-willed women strive to forge their own paths amidst the wide-open plains of the American Northwest: a lawyer forced to subdue a troubled client; a wife and mother whose plans to construct her dream home reveal fissures in her marriage; and a lonely ranch hand who forms an ambiguous bond with a young law student. Directed by Kelly Reichardt, this 2016 drama film stars Laura Dern (Laura), alongside Kristen Stewart as Elizabeth Travis, Michelle Williams as Gina, Lily Gladstone as The Rancher. With a 6/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.

What Happens at the End of Certain Women?

Three strong-willed women strive to forge their own paths amidst the wide-open plains of the American Northwest: a lawyer forced to subdue a troubled client; a wife and mother whose plans to construct her dream home reveal fissures in her marriage; and a lonely ranch hand who forms an ambiguous bond with a young law student.

How Does Laura Dern (Laura)'s Story End?

  • Laura Dern: Laura Dern's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
  • Kristen Stewart (Elizabeth Travis): Kristen Stewart's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
  • Michelle Williams (Gina): Michelle Williams's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of Certain Women Mean?

Certain Women's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Laura Dern may feel rushed. Kelly Reichardt's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.

Certain Women Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Is Certain Women Based on a True Story?

No, Certain Women is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Kelly Reichardt and starring Laura Dern may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.

Who Should Watch Certain Women?

Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Laura Dern or the director
  • Want a character-driven story with emotional moments

Box Office Collection: Certain Women

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $2.0M
Worldwide Gross $1.2M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Certain Women Budget

The estimated production budget for Certain Women is $2.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Where to Watch Certain Women Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Amazon VideoAmazon Video

🏷️ Buy on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store

Certain Women Parents Guide & Age Rating

2016 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Certain Women age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Certain Women is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Certain Women (2016) is 107 minutes (1h 47m). Directed by Kelly Reichardt, the film runs for 107 minutes in its complete theatrical version.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.0/10, and global performance metrics, Certain Women is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2016 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Certain Women. Rating: 6.0/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Certain Women worth watching?

Certain Women is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Certain Women parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Certain Women identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the runtime of Certain Women (2016)?

The runtime of Certain Women (2016) is 107 minutes (approximately 1h 47m).

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.0
Certain Women
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