Citizen Ruth

Ruth Stoops, an uneducated and often intoxicated woman living in rural Missouri, finds herself pregnant and facing legal trouble. Her situation becomes a focal point for both pro-choice and pro-life activists, each vying to sway her decision and use her as a symbol for their respective causes. As she navigates the attention and exploitation, Ruth struggles to maintain her own agency amidst the polarizing political debate.

Citizen Ruth was met with generally positive reviews, with many critics praising Laura Dern's performance and Alexander Payne's satirical approach to a highly divisive issue. While some found the film's dark humor occasionally jarring, it was largely lauded for its sharp wit and unflinching examination of media sensationalism and political opportunism surrounding abortion.

• Praised for its biting satire and Laura Dern's tour-de-force performance.

• Deemed a thought-provoking, albeit uncomfortable, look at the abortion debate.

• Appreciated for its dark humor that tackles sensitive subject matter.

Google audience: Audiences generally found the film to be a sharp and often funny satire that effectively highlights the absurdities and manipulations surrounding the abortion debate. Many appreciated its willingness to explore the issue from a less conventional, more human perspective, with Laura Dern's portrayal frequently cited as a standout.

Laura Dern received nominations for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy and the Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Actress.

The film's original title was 'The Grass Harp', but it was changed to 'Citizen Ruth' after the film 'The Grass Harp' was released the same year.