Olivia Wilde almost played the role in the dark Western that aired on TV on Saturday, but Brit Marling is also convincing as the courageous sister who protects her home.
After Daniel Barber attracted attention with his debut Harry Brown, the western The Keeping Room followed in 2014, revolving around three women left behind in the war while the men fight at the front. The film idea is based on a gruesome discovery.
Western tip: This is what The Keeping Room is about
1865 is the year of the American Civil War, and while the men have gone to fight, the women and daughters are left alone. Such as the sisters Augusta (Brit Marling) and Louise (Hailee Steinfeld), who try to defend their house and home with the help of their slave Mad (Muna Otaru). But brave Augusta, of all people, brings disaster into her home.
When her sister is injured by a raccoon, she goes out to get medicine. Two soldiers from the north notice the southerner. Moses (Sam Worthington) and Henry (Kyle Soller) don’t want to let the strong woman escape and follow her home.
The Keeping Room received good to mixed reviews, which is also reflected on the rating site Rotten Tomatoes. Critics give 75 percent approval, while audiences only give a middling 52 percent. The sparse setting, which contributes to the film’s atmosphere, is mostly praised. On the other hand, the rather thin plot is criticized. The Keeping Room is definitely recommended for a nice evening at home.
The Keeping Room: the film idea comes from a gruesome find
The Keeping Room is screenwriter Julia Hart’s first script. The former teacher came up with the idea for the story when she visited friends in the southern United States who told her that two skeletons from the Civil War had been found in their garden. Hart wondered how they got there and developed the story.
When did The Keeping Room air on TV?
Tele 5 aired the Western on March 22, 2025 at 10:05 p.m. Alternatively, you can rent or buy The Keeping Room from VoD providers like Amazon Prime. It is currently not available anywhere in a streaming flat rate.
