The Homesman Ending Explained
“The Homesman,” directed by Tommy Lee Jones, is a profoundly captivating Western that delves into the harsh realities of life on the American frontier during the 1850s. The film follows Mary Bee Cuddy, portrayed by Hilary Swank, a resolute and self-reliant woman who volunteers to undertake the challenging task of transporting three mentally ill women to a place of safety. Along her arduous journey, she encounters George Briggs, played by Tommy Lee Jones himself, a claim jumper who reluctantly agrees to assist her on this perilous expedition.
Throughout the film, we witness the struggles faced by both Mary Bee and George as they navigate the unforgiving landscape and grapple with their own inner demons. “The Homesman” is a profoundly introspective and thought-provoking work, exploring themes of solitude, mental illness, and the indomitable spirit of humanity.
As the film approaches its climax, the audience is presented with a powerful and ambiguous ending that leaves us contemplating unanswered questions. Having successfully brought the three women to safety, Mary Bee finds herself unable to cope with the harsh realities of her own life and chooses to take her own life, leaving George devastated and questioning the purpose of their journey.
The conclusion of “The Homesman” serves as a stark reminder of the harshness of life on the frontier and the toll it exacts on those who dare to venture into the unknown. It reflects upon the sacrifices made by individuals like Mary Bee, who are willing to risk everything for the betterment of others. However, it also provokes reflection on the limitations of one’s own strength and the toll that such selflessness can take on a person’s mental and emotional well-being.
One interpretation of the ending is that Mary Bee’s decision to end her own life is a manifestation of the overwhelming burden she bears. Throughout the film, we witness her struggling with the weight of her responsibilities and the sense of isolation that accompanies her status as a single woman in a male-dominated society. Her choice to take her own life can be seen as a release from this burden, a means of escaping the pain and loneliness that have enveloped her.
Another perspective is that Mary Bee’s suicide serves as a commentary on the limited opportunities available to women in the 19th century. Despite her strength and determination, she ultimately fails to find fulfillment or happiness in a world that fails to appreciate her contributions. Her decision to end her own life can be perceived as a rejection of the societal constraints imposed upon her and a final act of defiance against a world that has let her down.
The impact of Mary Bee’s death on George is profound. Throughout the film, we witness their relationship transform from one of necessity to one of mutual respect and understanding. George, who initially agrees to help Mary Bee out of self-interest, comes to admire her fortitude and resilience. Her death leaves him devastated and questioning the purpose of their journey, serving as a poignant reminder that, even in the face of great adversity, there are no simple answers or happy endings.
“The Homesman” challenges conventional Western tropes and delves into the complexities of human nature. It serves as a reminder that life is often messy and unpredictable, and the choices we make can have far-reaching consequences. The film’s ending is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to impact our perception of the world.
In conclusion, the ending of “The Homesman” is a haunting and thought-provoking conclusion to an enthralling Western. It prompts reflection on the sacrifices we make for others, the limitations of our own strength, and the toll that societal constraints can take on individuals. The film lingers in the mind, leaving viewers with a profound appreciation for the intricacies of the human experience.
The Homesman Cast
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Cast |
Characters |
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Tommy Lee Jones |
George Briggs |
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Hilary Swank |
Mary Bee Cuddy |
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Grace Gummer |
Arabella Sours |
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Miranda Otto |
Theoline Belknapp |
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Sonja Richter |
Gro Svendsen |
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Meryl Streep |
Altha Carter |
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John Lithgow |
Reverend Dowd |
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James Spader |
Aloysius Duffy |
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Hailee Steinfeld |
Tabitha Hutchinson |
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Caroline Lagerfelt |
Netti Nordstog |
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Tim Blake Nelson |
The Freighter |
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Jesse Plemons |
Garn Sours |
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William Fichtner |
Vester Belknap |
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David Dencik |
Thor Svendsen |
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Barry Corbin |
Buster Shaver |
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Evan Jones |
Bob Giffen |
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Jo Harvey Allen |
Mrs. Polhemus |
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Karen Jones |
Mrs. Linens |
TRENDING
The Homesman Where To Watch?
To watch “The Homesman,” you currently have the option of streaming it on HBO Max. Alternatively, you can rent or purchase the movie through various digital platforms such as Google Play, Amazon Instant Video, and Vudu.
If you have an HBO Max subscription, you can access “The Homesman” as part of their streaming library. HBO Max offers a wide selection of movies and TV shows, making it a convenient choice for viewers who enjoy diverse content.
For those who don’t have an HBO Max subscription or prefer to rent or buy the movie separately, “The Homesman” is available on Google Play, Amazon Instant Video, and Vudu. Simply visit these platforms, search for the movie, and choose the rental or purchase option that suits your preference.
By availing yourself of these streaming and digital rental/purchase options, you can immerse yourself in the gripping and haunting Western tale of “The Homesman,” directed by Tommy Lee Jones and featuring stellar performances from Hilary Swank and Tommy Lee Jones himself. Whether you opt for HBO Max or one of the digital platforms, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the harsh realities of life on the American frontier in the 1850s and delve into the profound themes that the film explores. Enjoy the captivating storytelling and thought-provoking elements of “The Homesman” at your convenience with these accessible viewing choices.
The Homesman Plot
In the year 1854, we are introduced to Mary Bee Cuddy, a 31-year-old unmarried woman hailing from New York. Having left her teaching career behind, she embarked on a journey to the Midwest, seeking better prospects. Currently residing in the Nebraska Territory within the close-knit farming community of Loup, Mary Bee enjoys considerable financial stability and owns a significant amount of land. Despite her outward appearance of strength and independence, she silently battles with feelings of depression and isolation. One day, after preparing a meal for her neighbour, Bob Giffen, and singing to him, Mary Bee bravely proposes marriage. However, she faces rejection as Bob deems her appearance plain and her demeanour too assertive. Disheartened, Bob departs in search of a spouse back east.
Following an arduous winter, three women from the community display signs of mental instability due to the hardships they endured. Arabella Sours mourns the loss of her three children to diphtheria, Theoline Belknap, facing the threat of starvation after a poor harvest, tragically takes the life of her own child, and Gro Svendsen, a Danish immigrant, suffers in an abusive relationship and succumbs to despair after her mother’s passing. In light of this distressing situation, Reverend Dowd intervenes, requesting one of the husbands to escort the troubled women eastward to a church in Hebron, Iowa, where they can receive appropriate care. However, Vester Belknap, Theoline’s husband, refuses to participate in the lottery to determine the escort. In a remarkable turn of events, Mary Bee volunteers to take his place, and fate designates her as the chosen escort.
As Mary Bee prepares for the journey, she encounters George Briggs, a claim jumper who has been left with a noose around his neck for attempting to steal Bob Giffen’s land while he was away. Feeling apprehensive about traveling alone, she decides to release Briggs from his predicament and, in return, requests his assistance in escorting the troubled women. Briggs, initially skeptical, insists on the freedom to abandon the journey at any point. To persuade him, Mary Bee claims to have mailed $300 that awaits him in Iowa, though she keeps the money with her secretly.
Throughout their journey, Briggs’s experience proves valuable, especially when they encounter hostile Pawnee. He manages to negotiate with them by offering Dorothy, Mary Bee’s horse, as a bribe. As the journey continues, Arabella gets kidnapped by a freighter, leading to a confrontation that results in the kidnapper’s demise.
At one point, the group comes across the grave of an 11-year-old girl that has been desecrated by Indians. Mary Bee insists they halt and restore the grave, but Briggs insists on pressing forward, leaving her behind with the promise to catch up later. However, as she attempts to catch up, Mary Bee loses her way, and despite riding all night, she finds herself back at the desecrated grave.
After reuniting with Briggs the next day, Mary Bee, distraught by her wandering on the prairie, suggests marriage to him. But like the other men in her life, Briggs rejects her proposal, belittling her appearance and proclaiming he is not cut out for a farmer’s life, and is merely interested in the promised reward. Later that night, in an unexpected turn, Mary Bee propositions Briggs in a naked state, and after initial hesitations, the two engage in sexual relations.
Tragically, the next morning, Briggs discovers Mary Bee’s lifeless body; she had hanged herself. Grief-stricken and angered, Briggs blames Sours, Belknap, and Svendsen, attributing their illness as the cause of Mary Bee’s untimely death. As he buries her, he finds the $300 she had hidden away and decides to leave the three women behind. However, the trio persistently follow him on foot, and despite Arabella almost drowning during the pursuit, Briggs eventually decides to continue the journey to Iowa.
Upon reaching Hebron, Briggs entrusts the women’s care to Altha Carter, the reverend’s wife at the church dedicated to the mentally ill. He reveals Mary Bee’s passing to Altha without disclosing the true circumstances. Overwhelmed by guilt for rejecting Mary Bee’s proposal, Briggs arranges a wooden marker engraved with her name to honor her grave. He learns, to his dismay, that the $300 he had cherished is now worthless due to the failure of the Bank of Loup during their travels.
Subsequently, Briggs offers a pair of shoes to Tabitha Hutchinson, a diligent young maid at the hotel where he lodges, and implores her not to marry any young man intending to head west, but rather to remain in town. Tabitha responds with uncertainty. As Briggs departs, he boards a river ferry heading west and participates in a rowdy song with two musicians on the deck. The accidental fall of Mary Bee’s grave marker into the river goes unnoticed by him.
Release and Critical response
“The Homesman” made its premiere on May 18, 2014, in competition at the esteemed 2014 Cannes Film Festival. Subsequently, it was screened at other notable film festivals, including the 2014 Telluride Film Festival and the AFI Film Festival. After its debut at Cannes, the film was acquired by Saban Films for distribution, with Roadside Attractions partnering to release it in the United States, while EuropaCorp handled international distribution. The movie was limited-released in the United States on November 7, 2014, with plans for further expansion in the following months.
Regarding critical reception, “The Homesman” has garnered predominantly positive reviews from critics, who have praised specific elements, such as Hilary Swank’s exceptional performance, the cinematography, the score, and the costumes. Rotten Tomatoes awarded the film an 81% approval rating based on 148 reviews, with an average rating of 7.1/10. The site’s consensus characterizes the film as a traditional yet somewhat progressive Western, adding another captivating entry to Tommy Lee Jones’ directorial portfolio. Metacritic also bestowed a score of 68/100 based on 43 critics, indicating generally favorable reviews.
Betsy Sharkey of the Los Angeles Times commends Swank and Jones for their outstanding portrayal of an unlikely duo, navigating their roles as saint and sinner, with occasional role reversals. Sharkey lauds Jones’ directing for allowing Swank to shine brilliantly, providing her with a strong platform to portray a woman who defies gender conventions.
Andrew O’Hehir from Salon hails Swank’s magnificent performance, portraying a woman whose composed exterior struggles to conceal her growing desperation. O’Hehir deems “The Homesman” a ruthless western classic, praising its unsentimental poetry, stripped-down imagery, and unforgettable lead performances. The cinematography by Rodrigo Prieto and the haunting score by Marco Beltrami contribute to a stark portrayal of life on the 19th-century American frontier.
On the other hand, Claudia Puig of USA Today offers a more critical view, stating that the film, set on the Great Plains in the mid-1800s, aspires to deliver a poignant and sparse narrative but instead comes across as mawkish, tedious, and self-indulgent. Puig remarks that while Swank brings gravitas to her character, some comedic elements undermine her performance. Additionally, Puig observes that a brief appearance by Meryl Streep’s character is more fully developed than any of the leads’ roles, and the overall story leans too much on Jones’ surly demeanour.
In conclusion, “The Homesman” received favourable acclaim from many critics, with particular commendations for Hilary Swank’s compelling portrayal, the film’s visual and auditory aspects, and its unapologetically bleak portrayal of life in the 19th-century American frontier. However, there were contrasting opinions about the film’s balance of emotions and character development, leading to diverse perspectives within the critical assessment.
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