Greta Gerwig in 20th Century Women delivers an emotionally resonant performance in A24’s coming-of-age film, which remains one of the studio’s most underappreciated dramas despite critical praise and an Academy Award nod. Set in 1979 California, the movie explores how generational divides and personal journeys collide, as Dorothea Fields and her son Jamie navigate life with the support of a vibrant group of characters.
A24’s Hidden Gem: A Complex Drama of Growth and Purpose
Known for its artistic risks and awards success with films like Moonlight and Hereditary, A24 has built a reputation as Hollywood’s creative center. Yet 20th Century Women, directed by Mike Mills, stands apart as a nuanced portrait of family and societal change that too often escapes wider recognition. The film observes how people search for meaning—whether shaped by their own choices or the world around them.
In keeping with its time period, 20th Century Women draws on the counter-culture spirit of late-1970s America, highlighted by political shifts and the evolving sense of identity. The story’s foundation rests on Dorothea Fields, portrayed by Annette Bening, and her adolescent son Jamie, played by Lucas Jade Zumann. As Jamie matures, their once-close bond becomes strained: he is pulled between finding himself and fitting into a society marked by division and uncertainty.
Recognizing her struggle to reach Jamie, Dorothea enlists Abbie Porter—the punk-inspired photographer and tenant brought to life by Greta Gerwig—and Jamie’s best friend Julie Hamlin, interpreted by Elle Fanning. Each characters’ advice reflects her own worldview, enhancing the film’s exploration of purpose, femininity, and masculinity. The trio clashes at times, yet together, they influence Jamie’s growth in unexpected ways, all set amidst comic interludes and delicate exchanges that blend laughter and sorrow.
Three Distinct Voices Define the Narrative
Bening’s Dorothea, Fanning’s Julie, and Gerwig’s Abbie anchor the film with their distinct personalities and philosophies, making each scene they share with Jamie charged with tension and insight. Abbie, for example, asserts that Jamie must learn from women to treat them well, introducing him to feminist ideas as she helps shape his perspective. Julie, wrestling with her own challenging experiences, believes that what she’s observed about boys her age is the model for masculine behavior—a stance that complicates Jamie’s self-discovery. Meanwhile, Dorothea’s support of Jamie’s autonomy masks her incapacity for deep self-reflection—a flaw illuminated in her subtle, understated gestures.
Bening’s performance stands out for its layered complexity; she is both loving and emotionally reserved. In a poignant sequence, when Jamie leaves for the city without notice, Dorothea masks her concern behind practicality, insisting she only wants to know whether to prepare less dinner next time. This delicate denial reveals her struggle with vulnerability, echoing generational patterns of emotional restraint.
Relevance of ’20th Century Women’ in Today’s Social Landscape
Authentic period details—fashion, casual smoking, and a backdrop of political transition—establish 1979 as the film’s setting. Yet its messages resonate powerfully in current debates about identity, purpose, and the expectations placed on men and women. Most notably, a pivotal moment features Jimmy Carter’s Crisis of Confidence speech, where he reflects on a nationwide search for meaning and the collective yearning for more than the daily grind. This sentiment, echoed in Mike Mills’ direction, points to the necessity of community and interconnected experiences, not just rugged individualism.
The path to maturity for Jamie illustrates a broader principle: as with his coming-of-age, society flourishes when diverse viewpoints coexist, enriching personal and collective understanding. 20th Century Women challenges viewers to examine their own relationships and prejudices, urging openness rather than fixed notions about identity or social roles. The film’s enduring value lies in its call for honesty, empathy, and mutual learning—a message that transcends its specific era.
Cast and Key Characters
20th Century Women boasts a compelling ensemble. Annette Bening stars as Dorothea Fields, the compassionate yet guarded mother navigating generational change. Elle Fanning plays Julie Hamlin, Jamie’s complicated best friend whose insights are shaped by her own adolescence. Greta Gerwig shines as Abbie Porter, a vibrant, creative tenant who introduces Jamie to new ways of thinking and pushes him to embrace complexity. Billy Crudup rounds out the core cast as William, another presence in Jamie’s unconventional household. Their interactions provide the film’s emotional depth and deliver a narrative that is both humorous and profound.
The Lasting Impact of a Rarely Celebrated Masterpiece
Few who watch 20th Century Women remain unchanged: its honest depiction of human frailty and connection encourages reflection on how individuals seek meaning within families and communities. While Annette Bening’s moving performance was surprisingly overlooked in awards circles, and the ensemble’s dynamic energy never feels overplayed, the film’s gentle wisdom marks it as a standout among coming-of-age stories.
Mike Mills has crafted a film that is as thought-provoking today as it was upon release, reminding audiences of the importance of societal bonds, shared struggles, and the courageous act of self-exploration. For viewers in the U.S., 20th Century Women can be streamed for free on Tubi, offering new audiences the chance to discover this quietly remarkable narrative where Greta Gerwig, Annette Bening, and Elle Fanning shine.
