As the three women come together to help raise Jamie, each brings their own unique perspective and struggles. Dorothea, who grew up during the Great Depression and World War II, tries to navigate the changing social norms of the 1970s while also grappling with her own fears and uncertainties about motherhood and aging.
Abbie, a cancer survivor and feminist, introduces Jamie to the punk rock scene and encourages him to explore his artistic side. She challenges traditional gender roles and encourages Jamie to question societal expectations.
Julie, a rebellious and self-assured teenager, offers Jamie a different perspective on relationships and sexuality. Their growing friendship defies the boundaries of age and gender, forcing both of them to confront their own insecurities and desires.
Through their interactions and relationships, the characters in 20th Century Women explore themes of identity, friendship, and the passage of time. The film captures the complexities of intergenerational relationships and the ways in which individuals can come together to form a makeshift family.