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Pieces of a Woman (2020): Cast, Ratings & Ending

Pieces of a Woman (2020) movie poster

Pieces of a Woman is a 2020 drama directed by Kornél Mundruczó, starring Shia LaBeouf as Sean, Vanessa Kirby and Ellen Burstyn. It runs 2 hours 6 minutes. It was nominated for 1 Oscar. Critics gave it 76% on Rotten Tomatoes and 66 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10.

IMDb rating
7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes
76%
award nominations
7
Echo Score
80
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Pieces of a Woman (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 6m (126 min)
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
Studio
Netflix
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Pieces of a Woman About?

The premise of Pieces of a Woman without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Following a devastating home birth, Martha and Sean, a couple living in Boston, are plunged into profound grief. Martha grapples with the tragedy and its aftermath, navigating a complex journey through mourning. She confronts strained relationships with her husband, her mother, and the midwife involved, while also facing a public court battle. The experience tests her strength and resilience as she attempts to rebuild her life.

Pieces of a Woman Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • dog
  • grief
  • marriage
  • cemetery
  • sex
  • judge
  • home birth
  • promise
  • anger
  • justice
  • male frontal nudity
  • male nudity
+38 more
  • female nudity
  • female frontal nudity
  • long take
  • sorrow
  • husband wife relationship
  • mother daughter relationship
  • baby
  • motherhood
  • cigarette smoking
  • tragic event
  • crying man
  • crying woman
  • crying baby
  • midwife
  • nudity
  • pregnancy
  • mother in law son in law relationship
  • family relationships
  • boston massachusetts
  • massachusetts
  • building a bridge
  • bridge construction
  • man with a beard
  • mustached man
  • man wears eyeglasses
  • sids sudden nfant deat syndrome
  • female lawyer
  • trial
  • jury
  • apple tree
  • eating an apple
  • apology
  • baby girl
  • party
  • month and day date on screen
  • prologue
  • broccoli
  • telling a joke
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Cast & crew

Pieces of a Woman Cast & Characters

Shia LaBeouf leads the cast as Sean, with Vanessa Kirby as Martha and Ellen Burstyn as Elizabeth. Directed by Kornél Mundruczó; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Pieces of a Woman

· 6 more
From the director

More from Kornél Mundruczó

More films directed by Kornél Mundruczó, best-rated first: White God, Delta, Evolution and Jupiter’s Moon.

Full filmography
Ratings

Pieces of a Woman Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Pieces of a Woman 76% on Rotten Tomatoes and 66 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in story & flow (60).

80 /100

Pieces of a Woman Echo Score Breakdown

Pieces of a Woman presents an affecting exploration of grief anchored by a commanding central performance, though its pacing and narrative focus fluctuate. The film’s technical craft earned consistent praise for its measured direction and striking visual design, supported by a resonant score. However, some viewers noted uneven pacing and a fragmentation in later acts that undercuts sustained engagement. Ultimately, the film’s emotional gravity and technical proficiency leave a lasting impression despite narrative lapses.

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

  • Art & Craft 80

    The film’s art and craft exhibit a thoughtful visual approach with some moments of uneven flow. In terms of direction, the opening 23-minute long take demonstrates precise camera movement and measured pacing. Critics and viewers alike highlighted the muted color palette and arresting composition, though a few extended scenes risk undercutting momentum. Overall, the production design and editing deliver strong stylistic cohesion despite occasional lulls.

  • Character & Emotion 90

    The character and emotional dimension is anchored by remarkable performances that convey deep resonance. Viewers and critics consistently praised Vanessa Kirby’s nuanced portrayal, noting her ability to embody grief in both restrained and intense moments. Shia LaBeouf and Ellen Burstyn also contribute layered support, enriching the relational dynamics. Together, these performances establish a compelling emotional core that drives the film’s impact.

  • Story & Flow 60

    The story and flow present a straightforward narrative that elicits strong emotional moments but can feel uneven in its structure. Early praise centers on the raw depiction of grief, yet some find the latter half overly fragmented and bereft of clear momentum. A concise plot allows focus on interpersonal relationships, though pacing dips in extended dialogues and courtroom sequences. Overall, the narrative alternates between powerful intimacy and lukewarm engagement.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    The sensory experience combines a resonant score with striking visual textures to create an immersive atmosphere. Howard Shore’s music and attentive sound design underscore key emotional beats without overwhelming the drama. Cinematography employs an understated palette and flowing compositions, while the one-shot birth sequence heightens immediacy. Together, these elements deliver a cohesive sensory tapestry that enhances the film’s emotional narrative.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    The rewatch factor is moderate due to the film’s intense emotional weight and deliberate pacing. Audiences admire the lasting impression of the central performance and key dramatic sequences, suggesting memorable moments on repeat viewings. However, the unflinching portrayal of grief and a handful of slower stretches may deter some viewers from revisiting the film often. Overall, the movie retains significant resonance but challenges casual reengagement.

Plot

Pieces of a Woman Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Pieces of a Woman from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Martha Weiss and Sean Carson are a couple living in Boston, eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child. Sean, who works in construction, and Martha, an executive, bond over their excitement during a visit to a car dealership where Martha’s brother-in-law, Chris, is employed. To celebrate, Martha’s mother, Elizabeth, surprises them with a minivan. Sean shows his love by giving Martha ultrasound pictures to decorate their nursery, capturing their joyful anticipation.

Full summary

The whole story of Pieces of a Woman, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Awards

Pieces of a Woman Awards & Nominations

Pieces of a Woman was nominated for 1 Oscar. The 7 nominations come from 6 ceremonies, the most at the Critics' Choice 2021.

7 nominations6 ceremonies

Show all 6 ceremonies
Videos

Pieces of a Woman Trailers & Videos

4 videos: 1 trailer and 3 featurettes.

Pieces of a Woman | Official Trailer | Netflix
  • Featurette PIECES OF A WOMAN Q&A | TIFF 2020
  • Featurette PIECES OF A WOMAN - Q&A | Vanessa Kirby, Kornél Mundruczó, Ellen Burstyn and Kata Wéber
  • Featurette PIECES OF A WOMAN | Scene at The Academy
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Pieces of a Woman?

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

What significant life event is Martha and Sean anticipating at the beginning of the movie?

Details

Pieces of a Woman Also Known As

19 alternative titles, including “그녀의 조각들” and “Egy nő darabjai”.

Also known as
  • 그녀의 조각들
  • Egy nő darabjai
  • Pedaços de Uma Mulher
  • Фрагменты женщины
  • Фрагменти жінки
  • Střípky ženy
  • 女人碎片
  • Fragmentos de una mujer
  • קרעים של אישה
  • 女人的碎片
  • Cząstki kobiety
  • Τα Θραύσματα μιας Γυναίκας
+7 more
  • Renaître
  • 私というパズル
  • Những Mảnh Vỡ Của Người Phụ Nữ
  • Frânturi de femeie
  • تکه های یک زن
  • เศษเสี้ยวหัวใจหญิง
  • 心碎的女人

Seen Pieces of a Woman?

FAQ

Pieces of a Woman FAQ: Cast, Awards & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Pieces of a Woman, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Pieces of a Woman?

Pieces of a Woman runs 2 hours 6 minutes (126 minutes).

When was Pieces of a Woman released?

Pieces of a Woman was released on December 30, 2020.

Who directed Pieces of a Woman?

Pieces of a Woman was directed by Kornél Mundruczó.

More films by Kornél Mundruczó

Who is in the cast of Pieces of a Woman?

Pieces of a Woman stars Shia LaBeouf as Sean, Vanessa Kirby as Martha and Ellen Burstyn as Elizabeth, among 10 credited actors.

How is Pieces of a Woman rated?

Pieces of a Woman has 7.0/10 on IMDb, 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, 66 on Metacritic and 70% on TMDB.

Was Pieces of a Woman nominated for any awards?

Pieces of a Woman received 7 nominations across 6 ceremonies.

Does Pieces of a Woman have a post-credit scene?

No. Pieces of a Woman has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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