Watch The Homesman

A period drama with a stellar cast, based on the Glendon Swarhout novel. Set in the unforgiving landscape of 1850 Nebraska the movie follows the experiences of several people trying to cope with the isolation and brutality of nineteenth century frontier life. The film is somewhat unusual in that it focuses primarily on the lives of the frontierswomen and their troubles. Spinster Mary Bee Cuddy (Hilary Swank) has land and money, but no husband. Her plain looks have garnered her nothing but rejections and she is suffering from worsening depression. In order to help herself and others she offers to escort three young women across the wilderness to a church in Iowa. Each of the women is also suffering from the psychological fallout of their respective personal calamities. For the trip she recruits the help of George Briggs (Tommy Lee Jones), a broken down claim jumper whom she rescues on the road and with whom she has a contentious relationship. Also featuring Miranda Otto, Meryl Streep, and John Lithgow. Directed by Tommy Lee Jones with a screenplay by Kieran Fitzgerald and Wesley Oliver.