The Keeping Room (2014) — A Gritty Civil War Drama
Directed by Daniel Barber and written by Julia Hart, The Keeping Room is a Western drama set during the final days of the American Civil War. The story follows three women—Augusta (Brit Marling), her younger sister Louise (Hailee Steinfeld), and their African-American slave Mad (Muna Otaru)—who are left to fend for themselves on their isolated Southern farm. Their lives take a harrowing turn when two rogue Union soldiers, led by Moses (Sam Worthington), threaten their safety, forcing the women to fight for their survival.
The film explores themes of resilience, gender roles, and the brutality of war. Released in September 2014 at the Toronto International Film Festival and later in the United States on September 25, 2015, it received praise for its performances, particularly by Brit Marling and Muna Otaru, as well as its atmospheric tension.