The Wife review – Mr T’s take

Intelligent drama about a woman sacrificing her dreams at the altar of marriage. The Wife review, brought to you by AboutFlick’s Mr T.

Director: Björn Runge

Review: The Wife is a clever drama, which at first glance appears to be a movie about love that transcends age and reminds you of your grandparents, although there are subtle clues that point otherwise. On further inspection, it becomes clear that it is a story about Joan, the wife of a Nobel Laureate, appropriating and seeking credit for her literary work.

Glenn Close is marvellous as the neglected titular character, constantly tending to the needs of an unfaithful old man with an overactive libido who needs to be the centre of attention all the time. She longs for her rightful recognition yet stands against anyone who even remotely hints at maligning her husband’s image. I know her filmography is formidable, but this role just might be her career best. We also get an enjoyable cameo from Christian Slater as a journalist determined to get to the bottom of the truth.

This movie could have been an exaggerated, melodramatic mess, but, in fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Rating: My rating for The Wife is 4/5.

Who should watch this: If you like intelligent and subtle dramas, I think you should watch this. Also check out Colette (2018), Blue Valentine (2010), Wonder Wheel (2017) and Revolutionary Road (2008).