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Butter Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Butter (2012). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


A story that plunges into the depths of fierce rivalry, BUTTER examines the relentless ambition of Laura Pickler, the devoted wife of Bob Pickler, portrayed by Ty Burrell, who has long held the title of Iowa’s champion butter carver. For a significant span of fifteen years, Laura found joy in supporting her husband, relishing her status as the attractive and devoted partner to Bob, who is not only friendly but also immensely talented in his artistic pursuits. However, when Bob is faced with the pressure to step aside and allow another contender the opportunity to shine, Laura’s indignation propels her to take action and enter the competition herself.

On the pivotal day of sign-ups, Laura eagerly positions herself at the front of the line, only to confront a startling reality—her chances of securing a victory swiftly diminish with the appearance of an unexpected rival: Destiny, a ten-year-old African-American foster child raised by Julie and Ethan. The stakes heighten even further with the entrance of Bob’s potential mistress, Brooke, a rebellious stripper who also throws her hat into the ring, along with Carol-Ann, Bob’s most ardent admirer, played by Kristen Schaal.

As Laura grapples with the challenges posed by her three challengers, she faces ridicule from her stepdaughter, Kaitlen, while her relationship with Bob begins to fray under strain. Determined to emerge victorious, Laura is prepared to go to any lengths necessary, even if it means resorting to sabotage. In her quest for glory, she enlists the help of her former boyfriend, Boyd, whose foolishness proves both a hindrance and an unexpected advantage in her unconventional campaign for the title.

Ultimately, BUTTER delves into themes of rivalry, ambition, and the lengths one will go to seize victory, all while serving up a dollop of humor and heart amidst the intense competition.

Butter Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Butter (2012) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


The Reign of Bob Pickler

For 15 years, Bob Pickler has held the title of Iowa's champion butter carver, celebrated for his artistic talent and charm. His wife, Laura, has proudly supported him in his high-profile role, enjoying the perks that come with being the spouse of a champion.

Iowa

Bob's Retirement Announcement

Bob is faced with pressure to retire from his butter carving competition, paving the way for new talent to emerge. This sudden change ignites a fierce determination within Laura, who feels overshadowed by her husband’s long-held glory.

Iowa

Laura Enters the Competition

Indignant about Bob's retirement, Laura decides to take matters into her own hands and enter the butter carving contest herself. She is first in line on sign-up day, eager to prove her own capabilities and claim the spotlight.

Butter Carving Competition Venue

Arrival of Destiny

As Laura prepares to compete, a surprising rival emerges: Destiny, a talented 10-year-old foster child. This unexpected competitor challenges Laura's confidence, turning what she thought would be an easy victory into a genuine contest.

Butter Carving Competition Venue

Brooke Enters the Fray

In a shocking twist, Bob's would-be mistress, Brooke, a seductive stripper, also throws her hat into the ring. Her entry further complicates Laura's quest for supremacy, adding to the tension and stakes of the competition.

Butter Carving Competition Venue

The Fanatical Carol-Ann

Adding to Laura's growing list of competitors, her husband’s number one fan, Carol-Ann, announces her intention to compete. This group of diverse opponents intensifies Laura's need to win, pushing her to the edge.

Butter Carving Competition Venue

Mockery from Kaitlen

Laura faces derision from her stepdaughter Kaitlen, who doubts her chances in the competition. This mockery only fuels Laura's fire, compelling her to lean into more underhanded tactics to secure her victory.

Sabotage is Considered

Desperate to win, Laura begins to contemplate sabotage against her rivals. The idea of undermining her competition becomes more enticing as she feels the pressure of losing what she believes is her only chance to shine.

Recruiting Boyd

To help execute her plan, Laura reaches out to Boyd, her dim-witted former boyfriend. His willingness to assist her in her schemes provides both comic relief and a precarious element to her already questionable strategies.

The Competition Heats Up

As the competition progresses, tensions rise and rivalries intensify among the contestants. Laura finds herself driven not just by the desire to win, but also by the fear of humiliation in front of her peers and family.

Butter Carving Competition Venue

Confrontation with Bob

Laura’s actions lead to a confrontation with Bob, who questions her motivations and the lengths she is willing to go to win. This moment of honesty reveals the strain of their relationship as Laura grapples with her ambition.

Destiny’s Talents Shine

During the competition, Destiny showcases her undeniable talent, impressing both judges and spectators alike. Her skill and creativity begin to garner attention, further solidifying her as a formidable opponent.

Butter Carving Competition Venue

Laura's Downward Spiral

As the contest approaches its climax, Laura's desperation leads her to make increasingly questionable decisions. Her ambition blinds her judgment, putting her relationships and reputation on the line.

The Final Showdown

The competition culminates in a dramatic final showdown among the contestants, where each competitor's skills are put to the ultimate test. Laura must decide whether winning is worth the cost of her integrity and relationships.

Butter Carving Competition Venue

Resolution and Reflection

After the contest concludes, Laura reflects on her journey and the choices she made along the way. This moment of introspection allows her to reconsider what truly matters in life beyond competition and glory.

Butter Characters

Explore all characters from Butter (2012). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Laura Pickler (Jennifer Garner)

Laura Pickler is an ambitious woman who transitions from being the supportive wife of a butter-carving champion to a fierce competitor herself. Her transformation reveals her deep-seated desires for recognition and respect. Throughout the film, her drive motivates her to make questionable decisions in pursuit of glory.

👩‍🎤 Ambition 💔 Jealousy 🎉 Competition

Bob Pickler (Ty Burrell)

Bob is the charming husband of Laura who has held the title of Iowa's butter-carving champion for years. His decision to step back from competition ignites Laura's ambition and jealousy. Despite his artistic talents, he finds himself caught in the chaos of Laura's fierce rivalry.

🏆 Champion 👨‍🎤 Supportive ⚖️ Artist

Destiny (Yara Shahidi)

Destiny is a talented young contender who poses a serious threat to Laura's ambitions. As an African-American foster child, her entrance into the competition challenges the norms and expectations placed upon her. Her determination and skills signify a fresh wave of talent and competition.

🌟 Talent 🌈 Diversity 💪 Determination

Brooke (Olivia Wilde)

Brooke is perceived as the ‘bad-girl’ stripper who enters the competition, further complicating Laura's journey. Her character challenges societal expectations and represents an unexpected rival in Laura's quest for victory. Brooke adds a layer of complexity to the competition and personal dynamics.

🎉 Rivalry 💃 Competition 🎭 Complexity

Kaitlen (Ashley Greene)

Kaitlen, Laura's stepdaughter, serves as a source of mockery and tension within the family dynamic. Her reactions provide insight into the generational conflict and pressures around competition in their family. Kaitlen's character adds depth to Laura's motivations and struggles.

👩‍👧 Family 📉 Conflict 🏅 Rivalry

Boyd (Hugh Jackman)

Boyd is Laura's dim-witted former boyfriend who becomes embroiled in her schemes to sabotage the competition. His character brings comic relief yet is also a reflection of the moral dilemmas faced in the pursuit of success. Boyd's loyalty and simplicity highlight the contrasts in Laura's calculated ambition.

😂 Humor 🥸 Sidekick 🎭 Complexity

Butter Settings

Learn where and when Butter (2012) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

The movie presents a contemporary setting, showcasing modern family dynamics and societal pressures. The storyline unfolds in a time where traditional competitions are still celebrated, revealing a blend of rivalry and support within communities.

Location

Iowa

Iowa is known for its agricultural prowess, particularly in corn production, and hosts various unique competitions. The movie centers around a butter-carving competition, reflecting the state's whimsical and competitive spirit. In the context of the film, Iowa serves as the backdrop for a riveting narrative about ambition and rivalry.

🌽 Location 🏆 Competition

Butter Themes

Discover the main themes in Butter (2012). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


👑

Ambition

The theme of ambition drives the main character, Laura Pickler, as she seeks to carve her own path in a world dominated by her husband's past successes. Her competitive spirit pushes her to take drastic measures to prove herself. The narrative explores the lengths individuals go to achieve recognition and the consequences that arise from unchecked ambition.

💔

Jealousy

Jealousy permeates Laura's relationships, particularly with her husband and stepdaughter. As Laura confronts other competitors, her feelings of inadequacy and envy manifest, leading her to betray her own moral values. This theme serves as a catalyst for her transformation throughout the film.

🎭

Deception

Deception plays a critical role in the characters' interactions, especially as Laura resorts to sabotage to secure her victory. Her alliance with Boyd showcases the lengths she'll go to for success, raising questions about ethics in competition. The reality of deception in the pursuit of dreams is scrutinized, ultimately highlighting the impact of dishonesty on relationships.

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