Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Historical drama

Ask for Jane (2019): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Ask for Jane (2019) movie poster

Ask for Jane is a 2019 historical drama directed by Rachel Carey, starring Cody Horn as Janice, Sarah Steele and Ben Rappaport. It runs 1 hour 48 minutes. Critics gave it 50% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.9/10.

IMDb rating
5.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes
50%
Echo Score
65
Loading streaming availability…
Ask for Jane (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 48m (108 min)
Director
Rachel Carey
Genres
Drama , History
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Ask for Jane About?

The premise of Ask for Jane without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

In 1969 Chicago, restrictive laws made accessing reproductive healthcare incredibly difficult. When a student's health is at risk, Rose and Janice initiate a daring plan to help her, leading to the formation of the Jane Collective. This clandestine network of women secretly provides abortion services, risking legal consequences as they empower thousands. Their courageous actions become a vital chapter in the fight for women’s bodily autonomy and continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about reproductive rights.

Ask for Jane Themes & Keywords

· 14 tags
  • abortion
  • reproductive rights
  • abortion rights
  • illegal abortion
  • roe v. wade
  • jane collective
  • pregnancy
  • chicago illinois
  • title directed by female
  • women's health
  • women's rights
  • unwanted pregnancy
+2 more
  • woman helping woman
  • 1960s
Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

Ask for Jane Cast & Characters

Cody Horn leads the cast as Janice, with Sarah Steele as Donna and Ben Rappaport as Bill. Directed by Rachel Carey; 12 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

Ask for Jane Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Ask for Jane 50% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 65/100, strongest in character & emotion (75) and weakest in art & craft (55).

65 /100

Ask for Jane Echo Score Breakdown

Ask for Jane garners praise for its timely and important narrative yet is hindered by modest production values and uneven execution. Reviews highlight the film’s passion for telling a crucial chapter in women’s history while noting its blunt structure and occasional clichés. Despite its flaws, the depiction of The Jane Collective remains resonant and instructive to modern audiences. Overall, the film delivers an earnest account that balances historical importance with technical limitations.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 55

    In terms of art and craft, the film’s modest budget results in a restrained visual style and often cramped framing. Production design and set pieces occasionally reveal synthetic textures, though some appreciate the intimate atmosphere created by confined shot selection. Overall, the direction and editing feel unpolished but convey the period setting with basic effectiveness.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    In terms of character and emotion, performances range from earnest portrayals of activists to less convincing supporting roles. The ensemble cast often conveys solidarity and emotional stakes, though a few figures lack depth or clear motivations. Overall, the film delivers heartfelt interpersonal dynamics that reinforce the central themes despite occasional inconsistencies.

  • Story & Flow 70

    When it comes to story and flow, the film tells an important real-life account with urgency and clarity. The narrative interweaves multiple perspectives on The Jane Collective, though script pacing can feel uneven and some scenes lean on clichés or didactic exposition. Overall, the plot engages with its historical subject but is undercut by blunt structure and predictable beats.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    In terms of sensory experience, the score is understated and rarely distracts, while sound design remains serviceable but unremarkable. The visual palette favors muted tones consistent with the era, though occasional lighting and costume choices lack authenticity. Overall, the film’s auditory and visual elements support its narrative without achieving distinct or memorable stylistic flair.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    When considering rewatch value, the film’s historical importance and enthusiastic advocacy encourage repeat viewings for thematic reflection. However, its technical roughness and sporadic narrative clichés may diminish enjoyment over time. Overall, the film offers learning opportunities and emotional resonance that could warrant revisiting, though persistent craft limitations may inhibit sustained replay appeal.

Plot

Ask for Jane Plot Summary

What happens in Ask for Jane from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In the heart of a chaotic 1973, a determined group of women emerges in the dark alleyways of Chicago, forging connections within an underground network devoted to facilitating illegal abortions. The narrative intricately weaves between the present and the past, revealing the defining moments that led to this radical yet necessary rebellion.

At the center of this unfolding drama is Patty, a young woman grappling with an unplanned pregnancy who makes the brave decision to abandon her studies and retreat home in fear and urgency. Her path crosses with Rose, a fierce advocate for women’s rights, who passionately persuades Patty to consider an abortion - a venture fraught with peril in an era when such choices were outright outlawed.

Full summary

The whole story of Ask for Jane, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Ask for Jane?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

In what year does the main narrative of 'Ask for Jane' take place?

Cars

Cars in Ask for Jane

5 cars on screen, including the 1957 Rambler DeLuxe 6 and the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette C1.

All 5 cars
  • 1957 Rambler DeLuxe 6 in Ask for Jane 1957 Rambler DeLuxe 6 Important role
  • 1958 Chevrolet Corvette C1 in Ask for Jane 1958 Chevrolet Corvette C1 Minor role
  • 1966 Plymouth Belvedere in Ask for Jane 1966 Plymouth Belvedere Minor role
  • unknown in Ask for Jane unknown Minor role

Seen Ask for Jane?

FAQ

Ask for Jane FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Ask for Jane, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Ask for Jane?

Ask for Jane runs 1 hour 48 minutes (108 minutes).

When was Ask for Jane released?

Ask for Jane was released on May 17, 2019.

Who directed Ask for Jane?

Ask for Jane was directed by Rachel Carey.

Who is in the cast of Ask for Jane?

Ask for Jane stars Cody Horn as Janice, Sarah Steele as Donna and Ben Rappaport as Bill, among 12 credited actors.

How is Ask for Jane rated?

Ask for Jane has 5.9/10 on IMDb, 50% on Rotten Tomatoes and 74% on TMDB.

Does Ask for Jane have a post-credit scene?

No. Ask for Jane has no extra scene during or after the credits.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app