Watch The Group

The Group is a drama film that explores the lives of eight women who meet as freshmen at Vassar College in the 1930s and continue to stay in touch afterwards. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Mary McCarthy and is set in the backdrop of the Great Depression and World War II. Candice Bergen plays the character of Lakey, a free-spirited and rebellious woman who is determined to escape the conventional life that society expects of her. Joan Hackett is the shy and studious Priss, who yearns for a traditional life and a stable marriage. Elizabeth Hartman is the brilliant but troubled member of the group, Libby, who struggles with mental illness.

The movie follows the women's lives over a period of ten years, exploring their personal and professional struggles as they navigate through societal expectations and personal ambitions. We witness their ups and downs, their triumphs and failures, their joys and sorrows.

As the movie progresses, we see Lakey struggling to find her place in the world and enduring several failed romantic relationships. Priss, on the other hand, becomes a housewife and mother, but her perfect life is eventually shattered when her husband cheats on her. Meanwhile, Libby is committed to a mental institution and ends up losing her job.

Other members of the group also face their own troubles, such as Polly, who is unable to pursue her ambitions due to her husband's expectations, and Dottie, who is struggling to come to terms with her sexuality.

The dynamics of the group change over the years, as some members drift apart and others come closer together. However, they all remain connected through their shared experiences and the bond that they have formed over the years.

The Group is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of feminism, social expectations, mental illness, and the struggle to find one's identity. The performances by the talented cast are authentic and nuanced, and the direction by Sidney Lumet is subtle and effective.

Overall, The Group is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human relationships and the challenges that women faced in the mid-twentieth century. It is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.

The Group is a 1966 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.