Serena (2014)

Serena Poster

North Carolina mountains at the end of the 1920s – George and Serena Pemberton, love-struck newly-weds, begin to build a timber empire. Serena soon proves herself to be equal to any man: overseeing loggers, hunting rattle-snakes, even saving a man’s life in the wilderness. With power and influence now in their hands, the Pembertons refuse to let anyone stand in the way of their inflated love and ambitions. However, once Serena discovers George’s hidden past and faces an unchangeable fate of her own, the Pemberton’s passionate marriage begins to unravel leading toward a dramatic reckoning.

Introduction
"Serena" is a 2014 American-French drama movie directed by Susanne Bier and written by Christopher Kyle and Ron Rash. The movie is based upon the 2008 book of the exact same name by American author Ron Rash. It stars Academy Award Winner Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper in leading roles as Serena and George Pemberton.

Plot Summary
The story is embeded in the late 1920s North Carolina wilderness, where an effective lumber empire is being constructed by George Pemberton (Bradley Cooper). George's life takes a dramatic turn after falling for the ferocious and independent Serena (Jennifer Lawrence), whom he quickly weds.

The Entry of Serena and Consequent Changes
Serena, being a strong and determined female, quickly shows to be an equivalent to any man, enduring in the aggressive and ruthless world of their logging empire. She effectively and efficiently starts handling the business along with George, even suggesting important ideas for much better efficiency and precaution for the employees. This unanticipated level of proficiency from a woman surprises the laborers however gains their regard at the same time.

Trials and Tribulations
The couple's personal and expert lives intertwine when they find Serena can't bear a child. Meanwhile, George discovers his illegitimate child from a previous relationship with a regional female. Serena's feelings of betrayal and jealousy take a toll on their relationship. Increasing stress lead them to desperate and dark procedures, that include committing murder and battling fatal creatures. Throughout the same time, police begins to investigate the Pembertons' possible involvement in criminal activities, adding to the stretched atmosphere.

Ending
Serena loses her peace of mind following the series of unfortunate occasions, which leads to a tragic ending. The grief-stricken George leaves the town while Serena passes away in a fire she started to eliminate George's invalid child.

Reception of the Movie
In spite of high expectations, "Serena" was met criticism overall due to viewed shortcomings in its screenplay and pacing. The leading performances of Lawrence and Cooper were praised, however the movie's underdeveloped story proved a major sticking point for numerous viewers and critics alike. Nevertheless, the motion picture offers a remarkable portrayal of a strong female character desperate for love and recognition in a time and industry largely controlled by guys.

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