Hailee Steinfeld’s standout performance in The Keeping Room cements her reputation as a versatile actress, as she takes on the emotionally demanding role of Louise in Daniel Barber’s 2014 Civil War Western. Set against the backdrop of the American South, the film brings together a powerful cast and delivers a harrowing depiction of survival, trauma, and transformation during one of America’s darkest eras.
Hailee Steinfeld’s Journey with Complex Period Roles
For over a decade, Hailee Steinfeld has consistently displayed her remarkable range, tackling diverse characters with depth and nuance. Her early breakthrough came with an Oscar-nominated portrayal in the Coen Brothers’ remake of True Grit, and she has since flourished in various period dramas, such as leading Apple TV’s Dickinson, where she stepped into the shoes of poet Emily Dickinson. Beyond historical settings, Steinfeld has also delivered acclaimed performances in modern titles, including The Edge of Seventeen and Marvel’s Hawkeye, but she has always found a unique resonance in period pieces.
Her recent role in Ryan Coogler‘s film Sinners, where she played Mary alongside Michael B. Jordan’s Stack, further reinforced her reputation for deeply committed performances. Yet, it is her role in The Keeping Room, though often overlooked, that stands out for its emotional grit and raw intensity, showcasing her ability to fully inhabit challenging roles.
A Dark Western Rooted in the Realities of War
The Keeping Room, directed by Daniel Barber, is set during the turbulent years of the Civil War, exploring the severe realities facing women in the American South. The film follows two sisters, Augusta (Brit Marling) and Louise (Hailee Steinfeld), along with their servant, Mad (Muna Otaru), as they struggle to protect themselves from a group of intimidating Yankee soldiers led by Moses (Sam Worthington). The narrative unfolds as a stark, unflinching look at the dangers and injustices women endured, stripping away the glamour often associated with Westerns in favor of a bleak, realistic account of history.
The tone of the film is unrelenting in its depiction of violence and psychological torment, forcing viewers to confront the harshness of the era. Through the lens of cinematographer Martin Ruhe, whose work has also been seen in Rami Malek’s The Amateur, The Keeping Room achieves a haunting visual palette that amplifies the intensity of the story. While the viewing experience is far from comfortable, the strong performances and striking cinematography elevate it above many recent Westerns.
The film opened to generally favorable reviews, with critics singling out both the acting and visual craftsmanship. However, The Keeping Room faced criticism for its slow pacing and dialogue, and its limited theatrical release contributed to a modest box office take of just $73,922 worldwide. Despite a respectful 75% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has remained under the radar for over a decade, never capturing a broad audience.
Steinfeld’s Louise: From Naivete to Endurance
Among an ensemble of skilled actors—including Brit Marling, Muna Otaru, and Sam Worthington—Hailee Steinfeld emerges as the emotional center of The Keeping Room. Louise begins as a sheltered and prejudiced young woman, resistant to accepting the harsh new reality that has overtaken her privileged world. Her character arc is both unsettling and deeply affecting, as a brush with death forces her to reevaluate her relationship with her sister Augusta and their servant Mad, to whom she initially shows little empathy.
Over the course of the film, Louise is shaped by the trauma she endures, emerging by the end as a changed, weathered figure—marked by loss and an altered sense of herself and the world around her. Steinfeld navigates this progression with extraordinary sensitivity, embodying Louise’s evolution from naivete to resilience in a manner that resonates with viewers long after the credits roll.
While Steinfeld’s roles in other period projects like Dickinson and the 1980s-set Bumblebee showcase her comedic skill and lighter touch, The Keeping Room demands a depth and seriousness that is rare even within her accomplished body of work. Her portrayal of Louise—initially the least sympathetic of the three leads by design—ultimately makes for a tragic and moving character study that stands as one of Steinfeld’s finest performances to date. The film may not have reached a wide audience upon its original release, but it remains an essential viewing experience for those interested in compelling acting and honest depictions of historical adversity.
Impact of The Keeping Room and Steinfeld’s Role
The Keeping Room’s willingness to confront the uncomfortable truths of America’s past distinguishes it from conventional Westerns. The film’s haunting realism and refusal to idealize the era provide a necessary counterpoint to more nostalgic depictions of the Civil War. While Martin Ruhe’s cinematography lends the film an evocative mood, it is ultimately the ensemble cast—especially Steinfeld’s nuanced performance as Louise—that keeps audiences invested through each tense moment and emotional shift.
The significance of Hailee Steinfeld standout performance in The Keeping Room lies not just in her personal growth as an actress, but also in her ability to draw attention to underexplored narratives within the Western genre. As more viewers discover the film—either on streaming platforms or through word of mouth—it stands poised to earn overdue recognition as one of the most impactful Civil War Westerns of the 21st century. For Steinfeld, this role further solidifies her as one of her generation’s most fearless and accomplished performers, continually stretching artistic boundaries and challenging expectations with every new project.
