Watch Dolores Claiborne

Dolores Claiborne is a 1995 movie directed by Taylor Hackford, based on the novel by Stephen King with the same name. The film features Kathy Bates in the titular role of Dolores Claiborne, a tough-talking, and seemingly hard-nosed housekeeper. The movie progresses as we follow Dolores through her daily routine on an island off the coast of Maine where she works for the wealthy Mrs. Elizabeth Dodd (Judy Parfitt). Dolores has a strained relationship with her daughter Selena (Jennifer Jason Leigh), who is a journalist living in New York.

One day, a tragedy occurs on the island, and a detective named John Mackey (Christopher Plummer) is sent to investigate. As he interviews the island's inhabitants, it becomes apparent that Dolores is the primary suspect in the death of her employer, Mrs. Dodd. Meanwhile, flashbacks reveal the truth behind Dolores' past and the tragedy that has unfolded.

The movie is a mix of thriller, drama, and mystery genres. It presents the story through the perspective of the main character, Dolores, and showcases her tumultuous relationship with her daughter Selena. The story is told through cross-cutting between two timelines; the present day, where Dolores is the prime suspect in Mrs. Dodd's murder, and the past, where we see the events that led to the death of Dolores's husband, Joe St. George (David Strathairn). The two timelines are brought together effectively, and as the story unfolds, it becomes clear how the two are related.

Kathy Bates delivers an outstanding performance as Dolores, a strong and resilient woman who has faced many obstacles in her life. Bates skillfully portrays the character's stoicism and stubbornness, as well as her vulnerability and pain. We see the depth of the character's emotions as she recounts the abuse she has suffered at the hands of her late husband, Joe, and the harrowing events in her past that have shaped her life.

Jennifer Jason Leigh is another standout in the movie as Selena, Dolores's daughter. Leigh portrays the character's anger and resentment towards her mother, as well as her pain and sadness. Selena is a complex and flawed character, and Leigh brings nuance and depth to the role.

Christopher Plummer is also excellent as Detective Mackey, the man assigned to investigate Mrs. Dodd's death. Plummer brings a sense of gravitas to the role, and his interactions with Dolores are some of the movie's best scenes.

The movie is visually stunning, with stunning shots of the Maine coastline and the island where the story takes place. The film's score is also a standout, with a haunting and atmospheric soundtrack that complements the story's dark and foreboding tone.

Overall, Dolores Claiborne is a powerful and emotional movie that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll. It's a gripping and suspenseful tale of a woman who has faced tremendous adversity and is now fighting for her freedom and her family. The movie is a must-see for fans of Stephen King's work, as well as anyone who enjoys a good mystery or thriller.

Dolores Claiborne is a 1995 mystery with a runtime of 2 hours and 12 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 62.