The story begins when Dolores Claiborne (played by Kathy Bates), a tough and outspoken woman, is accused of murdering her wealthy employer, Vera Donovan. Doloresโ estranged daughter, Selena St. George (Jennifer Jason Leigh), a journalist, returns to their hometown to support her mother, despite their strained relationship.
Through a series of flashbacks, the film reveals the complexities of Dolores’ life, including her tumultuous marriage to her abusive husband, Joe. Years earlier, Dolores was implicated in Joe’s mysterious death, which was ruled an accident. However, Selena begins to uncover the truth about her father’s death and the lengths Dolores went to in order to protect her from his abuse.
As the investigation into Veraโs death unfolds, Doloresโ innocence is called into question. It is eventually revealed that Vera’s death was not murder but a mercy killing at Vera’s own request. The revelations force Selena to confront her repressed memories and reconcile with her mother.
