20th Century Women
In late-1970s Santa Barbara, a single mother recruits the women around her to help raise her withdrawn teenage son as every member of their bohemian household searches for a livable identity.
Overview
A poignant exploration of motherhood and identity set against the backdrop of the 1970s.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- nostalgic
- witty
- warm
- quiet weekend
- reflective evening
What critics said
Critics broadly praised Mike Mills's emotionally generous ensemble portrait for its layered character development, distinctive period atmosphere, and strong performances.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Dorothea enlists Abbie and Julie to help guide Jamie through adolescence, creating a deliberately plural model of upbringing.
The film uses narrated flashbacks and background montages to illuminate Dorothea, Abbie, Jamie, Julie, and William.
Late-1970s Santa Barbara, punk rock, feminism, and changing generational beliefs shape the characters' identities.
Dorothea's Santa Barbara home houses Jamie, Abbie, and William while Julie remains closely connected to the household.
Films like 20th Century Women, and why
Beginners
shared autobiographical character study, coming of age themes, and warm ensemble drama
Dazed and Confused
shared 1970s setting, adolescent self-discovery, bohemian community, and nostalgic tone
The Kids Are All Right
shared intimate family drama, generational tensions, female-centered relationships, and bittersweet warmth
Lady Bird
shared reflective coming of age, unconventional family dynamics, and wistful humor
Movie Details
- Director
- Mike Mills
- Release Date
- 2016-12-28
- Runtime
- 119 min
- Rating
- 7.3 / 10 (1263)
Cast
- Annette Bening
- Elle Fanning
- Greta Gerwig
- Billy Crudup
- Lucas Jade Zumann
- Alison Elliott
- Thea Gill
- Vitaly Andrew LeBeau
- Olivia Hone
- Waleed Zuaiter
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex
- Buy
- Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is 20th Century Women about?
- In late-1970s Santa Barbara, a single mother recruits the women around her to help raise her withdrawn teenage son as every member of their bohemian household searches for a livable identity.
- What is 20th Century Women like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of 20th Century Women as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is 20th Century Women violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in 20th Century Women.
- What did critics think of 20th Century Women?
- Critics broadly praised Mike Mills's emotionally generous ensemble portrait for its layered character development, distinctive period atmosphere, and strong performances.
- Which films are like 20th Century Women?
- Films with a similar feel include Beginners, Dazed and Confused, The Kids Are All Right, and Lady Bird.
- How long is 20th Century Women?
- 20th Century Women runs 119 minutes.
- Where can I watch 20th Century Women?
- In United States, 20th Century Women is available to rent or buy from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex.
