This Demi Moore-Sissy Spacey-Cher starrer shows how societal attitudes influenced women’s reproductive rights over decades

With abortion rights once again under threat, the message in this HBO anthology film feels as urgent now as it did nearly three decades ago

Lost and Found

Today, we’re revisiting a poignant, powerful, and, sadly, forgotten gem —the 1996 HBO film If These Walls Could Talk. This compelling anthology film chronicles the stories of three women grappling with unplanned pregnancies in three distinct eras: the 1950s, 1970s, and 1990s. This may be a modest made for TV film but it’s also one that resonates strongly even today, especially in light of the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the United States. Let’s unpack why this cinematic masterpiece deserves to be on your watchlist.

If These Walls Could Talk essentially comprises three short stories stitched together, each set in the same house but decades apart. In each era, the house witnesses a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy, their struggles shaped by the social norms and pressures of their time. In the 1950s segment, Demi Moore plays Claire, a grieving widow who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant. The era’s rigid morality and lack of options force Claire into an unimaginable dilemma. Fast forward to the 1970s and we find Sissy Spacek’s Barbara, a mother of four and a nurse navigating the feminist wave of the decade. Her storyline is heart-wrenching as she questions her ability to bring another child into an already full and chaotic life. And finally, we’re ushered into the 1990s where Cher slips into the role of Dr. Beth Thompson, a physician providing abortion services in a climate of increasing hostility. The tension in this segment is palpable, culminating in a shocking, gut-wrenching ending that leaves you breathless.

Each narrative is gripping, intimate, and layered, drawing us into the complex emotions of its protagonists. The seamless transitions between decades not only illustrate changing societal attitudes but also underscore how women’s reproductive rights remain a deeply polarising issue. The overturning of Roe v. Wade has ignited fierce debates globally, with waves of protests from advocates of reproductive freedom. With abortion rights once again under threat, the film’s message feels as urgent now as it did nearly three decades ago. In many ways, this film serves as a cinematic time capsule that doesn’t shy away from taking a strong pro-choice stance, illustrating how restrictive laws and societal judgment can trap women in impossible situations. In fact, this film’s raw honesty reminds us that the fight for bodily autonomy is not just historical—it’s ongoing.

At the height of her fame in the mid-90s, thanks to hits like Ghost and Indecent Proposal, Moore’s performance here is understated and she authentically captures her character’s vulnerability. An Oscar winner for Coal Miner’s Daughter, Spacek conveys Barbara’s quiet strength, emotional turmoil and the inner conflict of a woman torn between duty and desire. Known for her larger-than-life persona in films like Moonstruck, Cher extends distinguished gravitas and compassion to her Dr. Thompson who stands firm even in the film’s most harrowing moments.

If These Walls Could Talk is a film that deserves to be watched, discussed, and cherished. Because sometimes, the stories of the past hold the most crucial lessons for our future. And yes, if we’ve got your nod, If These Walls Could Talk is streaming on JioCinema with OTTplay. Go watch it today!

Written by Kunal Guha

Share