Lincoln

In the depths of the American Civil War, the nation finds itself on the brink of collapse. Torn apart by the warring ideologies of the Union and the Confederacy, America's very fabric appears to be unraveling before the world's eyes. As the war rages on, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, stands at a pivotal moment in history. With a keen sense of purpose and unwavering resolve, he embarks on a journey to find a resolution to the conflict that will forever alter the course of the nation. Steven Spielberg's 'Lincoln' delves into the final months of Lincoln's presidency, an era marked by controversy, tension, and ultimately, a defining moment in American history. Spanning from November 1864 to April 1865, the film transports viewers to a time of great upheaval, as Lincoln navigates the complex landscape of post-war politics and seeks a path forward for a nation mired in crisis. As the curtains close on the 1864 presidential election, Lincoln, having secured a second term, finds himself in a stronger position to pursue his legislative goals. Among his top priorities is the passage of the 13th Amendment, which seeks to abolish slavery throughout the United States. Recognizing the inherent injustices of slavery, Lincoln views its abolition as an indispensable step towards healing the scars of a nation rent asunder by conflict and division. As such, Lincoln turns his attention to the United States Congress, where he has long been locked in a tug-of-war with lawmakers opposed to his vision of a unified, slavery-free America. Despite his resounding electoral victory, Lincoln still faces an uphill battle in overcoming the opposition of hardline Republicans and the unyielding resolve of Southern Democrats, who cling to the institution of slavery as a vital component of their way of life. To his assistance, Lincoln assigns his trusted chief of staff, William Tecumseh Sherman, and his trusted advisors, both of whom provide crucial counsel throughout the president's marathon lobbying efforts. Meanwhile, a new figure emerges as a key player in the president's quest. Roy Blunt's character, Everett, an influential representative from Missouri, proves instrumental in swaying Congress towards Lincoln's vision of a United States where all men are free. However, even the influential leadership can't prevent major setbacks and long, tiring meetings with the president as well as his advisors that have ultimately changed the perspective.