The World to Come (2020) is a deeply emotional period drama set in the mid-19th century, following two women trapped in the isolation of their frontier lives. Abigail (Katherine Waterston), a reserved and introspective woman, struggles with loneliness and grief after the loss of her child. She documents her inner turmoil in her journal, detailing the hardships of life with her stoic but distant husband, Dyer (Casey Affleck), on their rural farm in upstate New York.
Abigail's world changes when she meets Tallie (Vanessa Kirby), a vibrant and charismatic woman who moves into a neighboring farm with her possessive husband, Finney (Christopher Abbott). Unlike Abigail, Tallie is outspoken and unafraid to express herself, creating an immediate and magnetic bond between the two women. Their friendship quickly deepens into a passionate and forbidden romance, providing them with solace and a sense of belonging in an otherwise bleak existence.
As their relationship intensifies, Abigail and Tallie find themselves trapped between love and the harsh societal norms of the 19th century. Their husbands react in different waysโDyer remains largely oblivious, while Finney becomes increasingly controlling and suspicious. The women struggle to navigate their growing affections while hiding from the oppressive constraints imposed on them by their time and circumstances.
The film beautifully captures the contrast between longing and restraint, love and duty. Through poetic narration and breathtaking cinematography, The World to Come presents a hauntingly intimate portrayal of forbidden love. Waterston and Kirby deliver compelling performances, bringing to life the deep emotional currents that define their characters' journey.
Ultimately, The World to Come is a tragic yet powerful story of love, loss, and the yearning for freedom. It highlights the quiet struggles of women in history, showing that even in the bleakest times, love has the power to offer hope, however fleeting it may be.
