Girl Week: Augusta, Louise and Mad (The Keeping Room (2014))

Three women who deserve a spot amongst my Girl Week entries are Augusta, Louise and Mad of the intense The Keeping Room.

These three ladies, played by Brit Marling, Hailee Steinfeld and Muna Otaru respectively, are left to defend their home during the American Civil War. The story picks up late during the War until which point they have managed to take care of themselves. This all changes with the arrival of two Union Army scouts that have been sent out ahead of the main field. These scouts, however, are nothing but rogue soldiers who have other things on their mind. The movie that unfolds is the life and death defense against these brutal men, played by Sam Worthington and Kyle Soller.

A lighter moment…

I admire the three women. It can’t be an easy task looking after a homestead while the men and boys are out at war. Over-and-above that, they also have to worry about being in the crossfire and the other difficulties that the War brings their way. If this isn’t enough, they now have to deal with Moses and Henry. But they do it well. It is amazing the strength one gets when body and home are threatened. And amazing how, when it comes down to this, social standings mean nothing (Augusta and Louise are sisters and Mad is their slave, or should I say “was”). Louise takes some time to adjust to this idea but ultimately realises that it is of no importance. What matters is that they stick together and by doing so become equals, each with her own skills, feelings and experiences, thus fulfilling a critical role to them all.

I found myself on the edge of my seat as these brave women did everything they possibly could, sometimes with heart-breaking consequences, to make it out alive. For me, a really good movie with three incredible ladies.

Save

Save

Save

Save