Lily Gladstone's Stellar Performance Shines Yet Again in another Blockbuster Drama

Article Summary

Lily Gladstone's performance in Certain Women is being praised as a force to be reckoned with, even when sharing the screen with Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro.

Gladstone's depiction of the rancher character captures the raw emotions and uncertainties of a teenager encountering a profound connection for the very first time. Ultimately, the rancher's relationship with Beth culminates in heartbreak, as she acknowledges her errors and confronts the accompanying feelings of shame and weariness.

With the recent release of Killers of the Flowers Moon, people are raving about Martin Scorsese's latest masterpiece. One of the standout aspects of the film is the incredible performance by Lily Gladstone. It has been announced that she will be actively campaigning for Lead Actress awards during the upcoming award seasons. Critics have universally praised her talent, especially considering the fact that she held her own alongside distinguished actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. However, those who have been following Gladstone's career will know that she has been making a name for herself in the acting scene for quite some time now. She has steadily built her resume with roles in notable projects like Billions and Buster's Mal Heart. One filmmaker who recognized her potential long before others did is Kelly Reichardt, who cast Gladstone in Certain Women. This film serves as an exceptional introduction to Gladstone's remarkable skills.

What is Certain Women About?

Image via IFC Films

Certain Women presents a trio of narratives featuring three women residing in a cozy Montana town. These women navigate the everyday challenges of enduring the elements, striving to find meaning in their modest lives, and nurturing their relationships. In one of these interwoven stories, we meet an unnamed rancher, portrayed by Gladstone, who spends her days toiling alone on her farm, accompanied only by her beloved Corgi and the television. One evening, after finishing her work, she embarks on a drive into town and comes across a gathering of cars outside a local school. Curiosity piqued, she decides to investigate and follows the crowd into a classroom. As it turns out, the gathering is a night class on local educational law, led by an outsider named Beth (Kristen Stewart), who seems somewhat uncomfortable in her teaching role. The rancher feels an instant connection and initiates a friendship with Beth, which blossoms as they share meals together at a nearby diner after class. Gradually, the rancher finds herself deeply infatuated with Beth.

Kelly Reichardt is a master of the short story form, crafting narratives where plot and conventional character action take a backseat. Instead, she invites readers to immerse themselves in the subtle nuances and rhythms of her tales. In this particular story, we are introduced to a rancher whose daily routine and interactions with Lily Gladstone provide us with only glimpses into her life. Despite finding comfort in her work on the farm, there is an underlying sense of isolation and discontentment. The rancher, a restless soul, ventures out at night in search of something to ignite a spark within her. In the classroom, she quietly observes from the back, torn between the desire to participate and the hesitations driven by fear or lack of confidence. However, it is only when Beth, a weary and self-doubting instructor, enters the scene to teach a subject she openly admits to knowing little about, that the rancher finally discovers the elusive spark she has been seeking.

Lily Gladstone's Rancher Feels Like a Teenager

Image via IFC Films

The rancher's demeanor suggests emotional immaturity, as if she has long been deprived of genuine connections. When someone finally appears in her life, she exudes youthful enthusiasm and nervousness, reminiscent of a teenager. Gladstone captures the essence of those days filled with longing, when one would put on a façade and listen intently to their crush's every word, as if they were the most delightful elixir. However, beneath this facade, she remains deeply insecure, avoiding eye contact and cautiously revealing fragments of her own life. In contrast, Beth willingly discloses details about her life and job, unloading a lifetime of disappointments and shattered expectations, yet without the same refined focus that Gladstone exhibits. This observation is not intended as criticism but rather as a testament to Stewart's superb acting skills, as she skillfully portrays a worn-out individual through her drowsy eyes and unpretentious demeanor. While Gladstone seems to be blossoming in her life, Stewart's character appears to have already burned out.

This doesn't deter the rancher, whose optimism and romantic nature drive her forward. She stands in the parking lot, watching Beth's car depart, cherishing the precious time they spent together. But she has a surprise up her sleeve – her very own horse! Similar to using a flashy new car to impress a date, the rancher believes that offering Beth a ride to the diner on her horse will make a lasting impression. However, Beth is merely amused by the gesture, while the rancher beams with pride. In a comical moment, the rancher confesses to the waitress that her truck isn't broken, leaving Beth momentarily puzzled, as if to say, "Wait, you didn't need your horse?" Sadly, such fleeting moments can only endure for so long.

The Most Awkward Heartbreak

Beth eventually resigns from her job due to her lack of knowledge in the subject matter. Moreover, she is burdened with the exhausting commute of four hours to and from her day job at a business office, which is located far from the school. The rancher becomes aware of Beth's departure when a substitute teacher informs the class, leaving her devastated and quietly leaving the premises. However, her despair transforms into determination as she develops a plan and embarks on an arduous journey to where Beth works. Despite her fatigue and constant battle with drowsiness while driving, Gladstone infuses her with unwavering perseverance, as she is resolute in her mission. Although she is uncertain about her course of action upon meeting Beth, she is fully aware that she must face this challenge head-on.

Arriving at the business office, the rancher immediately notices Beth's car entering the parking lot. This encounter exposes their mutual unawareness - Beth is clueless about the rancher's intense connection with her, while the rancher remains oblivious to her own stalker-like behavior. The lack of reaction burns like dry ice, but the rancher handles it gracefully by disengaging and leaving. As she drives away, the story reaches its closest emotional release as Lily Gladstone, in a 30-second moment, contemplates the extent of her mistakes. There is no explosive outburst, just a continuous stream of shame intertwining with physical and emotional exhaustion. Symbolically, she falls asleep and her car drifts onto an open plain, a portrayal of her shattered dreams. However, those dreams felt so genuine due to Lily Gladstone's powerful screen presence and emotional vulnerability. "Certain Women" can be streamed on Tubi in the U.S.

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Editor's P/S

Lily Gladstone's performance in Certain Women is truly remarkable. She brings a raw vulnerability to the role of the rancher, making her storyline the most memorable and emotionally charged of the three. Her portrayal of the rancher's journey from isolation and discontentment to hope and connection is nuanced and believable. Gladstone's performance is a masterclass in acting, and it's no wonder that she is being praised by critics and audiences alike.

I highly recommend Certain Women to anyone who loves great acting and beautiful storytelling. The film is a reminder of the power of cinema to move and inspire us.