The Wife - Film Review

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The Wife is a powerful thoughtful drama based on the 2004 book of the same name by Meg Wolitzer. Released on 2 August 2018 it runs for 100 minutes. The director Björn Runge holds a tight rein on proceedings and the viewer can feel a palpable tension building in the main characters.

Glenn Close gives an extraordinary performance as Joan Castleman the long-suffering wife of the brilliant novelist Joseph Castleman played by Jonathan Pryce. Close is a fine actress who has been nominated six times for an Academy Award and perhaps best known for her roles as Cruella De Ville in 101 Dalmations or as the "bunny boiler" if Fatal Attraction and Pryce is a versatile actor who has been in Pirates of The Caribbean, Game of Thrones and the musical Miss Saigon. The performances of the supporting cast were also good but the movie is focused on the relationship of the Castlemans.

The story develops slowly giving small snippets and clues as to why there was such tension in this 40 year partnership. We ponder why Joan seems so unhappy in her role as the supportive wife to her brilliant, charming novelist husband. This is an emotional drama about love, family and sacrifice. The Wife also leads one to question the roles that we take on due to the expectations of society and those around us.

I enjoyed The Wife and found the performances of the main actors to be superb. It was thought-provoking and made me wonder about the stories of the women behind many great men. It must be said though that it is not an action filled Hollywood blockbuster and would not be to the liking of every moviegoer.

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