The Tale 2018
"Our past is always present."
Jennifer Fox's *The Tale (2018)* unravels the haunting power of memory as a documentary filmmaker confronts the buried trauma of her first sexual experience at age 13. Through a fragmented, deeply personal lens, the film dissects how stories shape our survival—often at a cost.
Director: Jennifer Fox
Cast
Laura Dern
Jennifer
Isabelle Nélisse
Jenny (13 Years)
Elizabeth Debicki
Mrs. G
Jason Ritter
Bill
Frances Conroy
Jane Graham
John Heard
William P. Allens
Ellen Burstyn
Nettie
Laura Allen
Young Nettie
Matthew Rauch
Aaron
Jessica Sarah Flaum
Jenny (15 Years)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Tale (2018) about?
*The Tale* follows a filmmaker revisiting her traumatic teenage experience through an old story she wrote about a summer affair with a running coach. As she pieces together the past, she confronts the lies she told herself to survive—and the painful reality she'd long suppressed.
Who directed The Tale?
Jennifer Fox directed *The Tale*. Known for her documentary work, Fox brings a uniquely intimate and investigative style to this deeply personal film.
Who stars in The Tale?
The film features Laura Dern as the adult Jenny, Isabelle Nélisse as the young Jenny, Elizabeth Debicki in a pivotal role, and Jason Ritter among the supporting cast.
Is The Tale (2018) worth watching?
Absolutely—if you appreciate raw, emotionally charged dramas with strong performances. *The Tale* is a thought-provoking exploration of memory and healing, made even more compelling by Laura Dern's powerhouse portrayal. Its unsettling honesty lingers long after the credits roll.
How long is The Tale?
*The Tale* has a runtime of 115 minutes, offering a tight yet impactful narrative experience.
🎥 Trailer
About The Tale (2018): A Haunting Journey Through Memory and Survival
Jennifer Fox's *The Tale (2018)* unravels the haunting power of memory as a documentary filmmaker confronts the buried trauma of her first sexual experience at age 13. Through a fragmented, deeply personal lens, the film dissects how stories shape our survival—often at a cost. With a mix of raw honesty and poetic reflection, Fox explores the fractures in recollection, the weight of denial, and the courage required to face the past.
Starring Laura Dern in a career-defining role as the adult protagonist, the cast also features Isabelle Nélisse as the young Jenny, Elizabeth Debicki as a complex mentor figure, and Jason Ritter as a critical voice from her history. Blending drama with mystery, *The Tale* lingers like an unresolved dream, challenging audiences to question what we choose to remember—and what we bury forever.
