Citizen Ruth

Main Plot

Citizen Ruth follows the story of Ruth Stoops, a young woman who finds herself in a precarious situation after becoming pregnant and facing the prospect of an unwanted child. Struggling with addiction and a troubled life, Ruth is caught between two opposing factions: pro-choice activists who want to help her obtain an abortion and pro-life advocates who aim to persuade her to carry the pregnancy to term. As Ruth navigates the intense pressure and conflicting ideologies surrounding her situation, she becomes a pawn in a larger political battle over reproductive rights. The film explores themes of personal choice, societal influence, and the complexities of morality, all while highlighting the absurdities of the extreme positions taken by both sides. Ruth's journey ultimately raises questions about autonomy and the impact of external forces on individual decisions.

Characters

• Laura Dern plays Ruth Stoops, a troubled woman caught in a political battle over abortion rights, highlighting the absurdities and extremes of both sides.
• Swoosie Kurtz plays Diane Siegler, an activist who supports Ruth in her legal battle, highlighting the film's exploration of reproductive rights and the clash between opposing advocacy groups.
• Mary Kay Place plays Gail Stoney, a fervent pro-life activist who takes in Ruth, attempting to sway her decision amidst the abortion debate.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Citizen Ruth, the main character, Ruth, finds herself at the center of a heated abortion debate after becoming pregnant. Throughout the film, she is manipulated by both pro-choice and pro-life activists, each trying to use her situation to further their agendas. As the story unfolds, Ruth's struggles with her own desires and the pressures from both sides lead her to a moment of clarity. In the climax, Ruth ultimately decides to have the abortion, asserting her autonomy over her body despite the external influences. This choice signifies her rejection of being a pawn in the ideological battle surrounding her. The film concludes with Ruth walking away from the clinic, seemingly liberated from the chaos that surrounded her. However, the ending also leaves a bittersweet note, as it highlights the ongoing societal conflict over reproductive rights and the personal struggles women face in making such decisions. The resolution of the main conflict emphasizes the theme of personal choice and the complexities of individual circumstances within broader societal debates. Ruth's journey reflects the tension between autonomy and external pressures, ultimately advocating for the importance of personal agency in the face of societal expectations.