The Wife
Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: August 17, 2018
7.2
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 133 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
98
Mixed:
31
Negative:
4
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7
charles19Sep 29, 2018
Somewhat slow to develop. This movie requires patience. There is a bit of a twist involved but I am not sure if it represents an adequate reward for the perseverance of the audience. Glenn Close makes this movie.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
jgzegerFeb 3, 2019
The Wife reminded me of the movie 45 years, only that I found the latter far more interesting cum haunting. An excellent performance by Glen Close, but the movie just gets a shrug.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
GreatMartinAug 31, 2018
“THE WIFE” interweaves the story of one couple’s youthful passion with a portrait of a marriage, thirty-plus years later consisting of compromise, secrets, betrayals and mutual love.
Glenn Close is “The Wife” of the title and of the many fine“THE WIFE” interweaves the story of one couple’s youthful passion with a portrait of a marriage, thirty-plus years later consisting of compromise, secrets, betrayals and mutual love.
Glenn Close is “The Wife” of the title and of the many fine performances in her career this film performance is an actress at the height of her profession. You never see her acting and in the scenes where the camera concentrates on her face you know just what she is feeling, never letting on to those around her that she is nothing but the perfect wife every man wishes he has.
Jonathan Pryce, plays the husband who seems to have it all and has now won the Nobel Prize for literature with his wife and son in attendance as he is honored in Sweden. Pryce gives Close strong support, but neither he nor the screenplay by Jane Anderson, adapted from the novel by Meg Wolitzer, are quite up to the level of Close’s silent, screaming performance. When she finally lets loose you don’t know if anyone else is on screen or even what she is saying vocally because she is the wife who represents all the wives ‘behind the man’ in the world.
Max Irons as their son, Harry Lloyd as a young Pryce and Christian Slater as a journalist aren’t really up to par with the leads but Annie Starke as the young Close, her daughter in real life, imparts who the woman might become.
Director Bjorne Runge seems to know when to get out of Close’s way and just let her be the wife but at the same time handles those around her.
“The Wife” is a movie of clichés and really tackles an old theme that harks back to the days of Bette Davis but Glenn Close holds the screen as a star, an actress and a real person. No doubt she will be up for many of the honors coming in the award season.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
urmomdoesdrugsDec 10, 2018
I didn't hate it which could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you look at it. I could say I sort of loved it but that depends also. Did the wife (Joan) love Jo? Or, did she hate him? answer that and you'll have my answer bastards.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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4
richardradNov 23, 2018
The acting is first-rate, but the script fails to deliver on what should be a highly interesting, entertaining and complex premise. Glenn Close is the brains behind her husband— a celebrated author, played by Jonathan Pryce, who wins theThe acting is first-rate, but the script fails to deliver on what should be a highly interesting, entertaining and complex premise. Glenn Close is the brains behind her husband— a celebrated author, played by Jonathan Pryce, who wins the Nobel prize for the literature that she created. Close’s character is the only truly interesting person in a film that is largely about her growing frustration at being the true writer while her philandering husband gets all the credit. The problem for us poor movie goers is that the husband and son are bores. The dialog is often pedantic and leaden, which is surprising in a literary marriage. The absence of humor and wit are major drawbacks. Clearly, this brilliant woman loves her husband and is complicit in the lie that they tell the world. But why does she continue to love this jerk, and where is the spark between them?… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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10
vesperizerFeb 24, 2019
Not only should Glenn Close be recognized for her stellar skill as an actor in this film, but the film, as a whole, is a mini-masterpiece of elegant cinematography, crisp, sharp dialogue and inventive directorial choices.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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3
JohnSDApr 15, 2019
A beautiful movie ruined by a bad script. Sadly, the story was all head and no heart. Did Joan really love Joe or did she use him as her nom de plume so she could get her stories published? All the passion was for writing and not for theA beautiful movie ruined by a bad script. Sadly, the story was all head and no heart. Did Joan really love Joe or did she use him as her nom de plume so she could get her stories published? All the passion was for writing and not for the humans involved. This is a bitter, brittle feminist story about a privileged "victim" wife caught in her "art" more than her husband and children. The males are weak, throw-away characters and only the long-suffering, and creatively-genius wife are of any depth and she is so passively-aggressively contained that only glimpses of her humanity escape the black hole of her rage and self-contempt. As a male, I found this movie very difficult and insulting to watch. Glen Close does an excellent job, but we've seen her "boil the bunny" before.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
LegendaryLassJan 4, 2019
A powerful, incredibly well-told tale of secrets and silent struggles in a marriage of the successful. Close is a revelation of quiet, tight-lipped nuance in one of the year's best dramas.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
BHBarryAug 26, 2018
“The Wife” stars Glenn Close and Jonathan Pryce in a film directed by Bjorn Runge, based on the novel by Meg Wolitazer and a screenplay written by Jane Anderson. The film examines the life and history of a couple married for almost 40 years“The Wife” stars Glenn Close and Jonathan Pryce in a film directed by Bjorn Runge, based on the novel by Meg Wolitazer and a screenplay written by Jane Anderson. The film examines the life and history of a couple married for almost 40 years and how a prestigious literary award impacts upon and affects their lives and those in their family. Ms. Close is at her finest and gives the audience the gift of portraying feelings and emotions more from her deep and expressive eyes than paragraphs of spoken dialogue she could ever physically utter. I give the film a 9 and recommend it to all who enjoy a well directed movie, a quality script and acting performances that do it all justice.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
LynFeb 3, 2019
God knows Glenn Close deserves an Oscar: Bad luck that among her memorable performances like The Big Chill and Dangerous Liaisons, she was up against the likes of Meryl Streep in Sophie's Choice and Cher in Moonstruck. But her expressive faceGod knows Glenn Close deserves an Oscar: Bad luck that among her memorable performances like The Big Chill and Dangerous Liaisons, she was up against the likes of Meryl Streep in Sophie's Choice and Cher in Moonstruck. But her expressive face is the best thing in this soapy story, about her travails with an egotistic husband and whiny son. Worst are the hints that she's really a great talent herself. If that's true, and she's such a noble individual, why didn't she write her own best-sellers?… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
TVJerrySep 15, 2018
Glenn Close and Jonathan Pryce play a long-married couple. When he's awarded the Nobel Prize for his novels, they travel to Stockholm where years of quiet frustration come to a head. There aren't any shocking revelations here, so it's aboutGlenn Close and Jonathan Pryce play a long-married couple. When he's awarded the Nobel Prize for his novels, they travel to Stockholm where years of quiet frustration come to a head. There aren't any shocking revelations here, so it's about the characters and the actors who play them. They (and Max Irons, who plays their son) all do commendable jobs, but it's the constant close-ups of Close that allows us to enjoy her controlled, subtle, slow burn. This is one of those classy adult dramas that's sure to appeal to its intended audience. Not especially brilliant, but certainly well-made and watchable.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
GinaKSep 12, 2018
This is a very enjoyable film and easy to empathize with, especially if you are a woman. Without giving too much away, it's about a male author who wins the Nobel Prize. The only problem is his wife wrote all his books, so the movie gets toThis is a very enjoyable film and easy to empathize with, especially if you are a woman. Without giving too much away, it's about a male author who wins the Nobel Prize. The only problem is his wife wrote all his books, so the movie gets to comment on discrimination against women authors (especially in the era it is set) among other things. I enjoyed the film and recommend it and won’t give away anymore plot details, but it is also a bit contrived. However, the acting by Glenn Close is fantastic, and she makes you believe and understand why she allowed her egotistical (and in many ways cowardly and weak) husband to take advantage of her so cruelly. And Jonathan Pryce is also very good as the famous author, and the entire cast is very strong. It’s a serious film but it’s never boring because the acting is so good.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
moviemitch96Sep 14, 2018
This was a brilliantly acted film, and it's certainly the film's greatest strength! Glenn Close and Johnathan Pryce both deliver stellar performances, and the tension and dynamics between them are highly intriguing and engaging! Overall, itThis was a brilliantly acted film, and it's certainly the film's greatest strength! Glenn Close and Johnathan Pryce both deliver stellar performances, and the tension and dynamics between them are highly intriguing and engaging! Overall, it may not have a whole lot else to help make it stand out, but that hardly matters in such a superb character study such as this one!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Brent_MarchantSep 3, 2018
The strength of the performances by Glenn Close, Jonathan Pryce and Christian Slater are what makes this otherwise-predictable tale worth watching. Because there's so little suspense where there should be plenty, the portrayals by the threeThe strength of the performances by Glenn Close, Jonathan Pryce and Christian Slater are what makes this otherwise-predictable tale worth watching. Because there's so little suspense where there should be plenty, the portrayals by the three principals are what make this offering at all compelling. This could be the role that finally earns Close her long-overdue Oscar, considering that she shows a range here not previously apparent in most of her other parts. If that's enough for you, then by all means see it; if not, wait for the other awards season releases to hit the screens.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
riordanpettFeb 2, 2019
Amazing film, and totally underrated in my opinion, considering I enjoyed it far more than some of the more critically acclaimed films of the year.
Glenn Close is spectacular in the film; and upon second watch, the nuances of her performancesAmazing film, and totally underrated in my opinion, considering I enjoyed it far more than some of the more critically acclaimed films of the year.
Glenn Close is spectacular in the film; and upon second watch, the nuances of her performances shine through even more. Every look, each glance - especially in the final 30 minutes. In that 30 minutes you feel the tension and repressed anger in her performance fully. Make no mistake, Close is definitely the highlight of the film.
Beautiful acting from a talented ensemble and a superbly adapted screenplay.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
AxeTFeb 7, 2019
A pleasant surprise, the expected dull domestic character drama actually has a compelling story. Glenn Close is fine, as worthy or more of an Oscar than others up for it.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
justwibiOct 31, 2018
Glenn Close performance was very riveting with that character. and her performance is definitely helps the film... a lot!
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
alejandro970Aug 30, 2018
An history of white lies, silent partners and a little of love supported by outstanding Gleen Close as a silent muse; the hidden, tolerant talent of a writer. The drama grows like a downhill snowball, with a bittersweet final act.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
JLuis_001Sep 22, 2018
While the story could be considered something already seen, this is an old-fashioned drama in which the performances and the solidity of the script drive things and make the film better than it might seem at first.

All the cast does its jobWhile the story could be considered something already seen, this is an old-fashioned drama in which the performances and the solidity of the script drive things and make the film better than it might seem at first.

All the cast does its job well but those who should be highlighted are Jonathan Pryce and Glenn Close, especially she, who gives the best interpretation of her career in years, I would say since Albert Nobbs in 2012.

Another little gem hidden and of very good quality.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
amheretojudgeDec 6, 2018
Runge's complicated couple is divine to look at, flawed and failing miserably on their relationship, they do smile on their words.

The Wife Runge's complicated couple is divine to look at, flawed and failing miserably on their relationship,Runge's complicated couple is divine to look at, flawed and failing miserably on their relationship, they do smile on their words.

The Wife

Runge's complicated couple is divine to look at, flawed and failing miserably on their relationship, they do smile on their words. This is a film set behind the screen. The narration follows the people that supports the pioneers or the leaders that may be changing the world around them but are actually struggling for a written paper in here. And honoring those people, it is fabricated with a social message wrapped in a glossy yet elegant paper that smells maturity. Among many characters, the one that brings insight to the core of the movie is Slater's where whenever it shines onto it, the movie grows into an enthralling compelling drama.

Even though the concept is something that has been out there for a while, the simplicity to which these complex relationship are narrowed down to, is the real win for the writers. The concept that it lands on, on its final note of this symphony is breathtaking. Close on the lead role is flexing her muscles like never before. She is given an amazing character to portray and it is never taken granted for, by her. And it easily stands out since whenever the script grows damp, her portrayal is what pulls it out of the void.

Pryce, Iron and Slater are decently handling the supporting characters and offer the appropriate boost especially in the middle section that focuses on the family falling apart like a fragile glass. Another reason why these characters speak to us a lot is due to the layered version that is foliated on the screen, it genuinely reflects all the sides of human within an hour for us to judge, the background tale is the real deal. The Wife is post apocalyptic world, the solution is much more ravishing than the piles of conflicts.… Expand
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9
Slovenly_MuseSep 29, 2018
A nuanced, complicated, human portrayal of two people who need each other, depend on each other, use each other, and at times, love each other. Glenn Close's performance is masterful as the elegant and understated Joan, beginning for theA nuanced, complicated, human portrayal of two people who need each other, depend on each other, use each other, and at times, love each other. Glenn Close's performance is masterful as the elegant and understated Joan, beginning for the first time to examine the old patterns into which she and her husband have fallen, and to see their old habits with new eyes.… Expand
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7
Vitor007Feb 6, 2019
"The wife" may be simpler than it seems, however, the performance of Gleen Close and Jonathan Pryce fits very well in what is proposed, leaving the experience of the public better. In the time required, the film shows its tranquility. With a"The wife" may be simpler than it seems, however, the performance of Gleen Close and Jonathan Pryce fits very well in what is proposed, leaving the experience of the public better. In the time required, the film shows its tranquility. With a rapid conflict, the climax of public anxiety is weak, because it is too perennial. It is not a great story or the best of all already seen, but it is not necessary to be "big" to be good. 7.4/10… Expand
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8
CosiMOLOGONov 17, 2018
Basada en un libro escrito el Meg Wolitzer narra la historia de Joe Castleman, al que un día le avisan que será galardonado con el Premio Nobel de Literatura, se verán a la luz secretos y florecerán rencores.

Estamos frente a una de lasBasada en un libro escrito el Meg Wolitzer narra la historia de Joe Castleman, al que un día le avisan que será galardonado con el Premio Nobel de Literatura, se verán a la luz secretos y florecerán rencores.

Estamos frente a una de las películas más conmovedoras y mejor actuadas del año, en donde Glenn Close ofrece una interpretación excelente y conmovedora que hace que la atención se mantenga solo en ella desde la primera escena. La historia se construye poco a poco, vamos vemos los conflictos internos y secretos de una familia que podría ser considerada perfecta, llena de sutilezas constantes e incluso un notorio humor negro. "The wife" muestra una imagen honesta de la vida de una mujer en una sociedad que ahora, por lo menos, intenta reconocerla y darle el derecho que se merece. Jonathan Pryce tampoco se queda sin mérito, ofrece una actuación de un hombre que puede ser el tipo con el que nadie quisiera conversar, pero a la vez interesante. La historia tiene un ritmo pausado al inicio, pero se torna más ágil y la historia toma cierto tono de suspenso, en donde nos van dando algunas piezas que nos llevaran a una conclusión final.

Björn Runge, ha traído una historia contundente de amor, que encaja perfectamente con los temas y problemáticas actuales. No se pierdan esta película.… Expand
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7
bataguilaJan 29, 2019
Si es buena, muy bien contada, muy ben hecha, pero muy moralista, practicamente un asco de persona (un ganador de nobel?), es imposible desmeritar todo lo logrado en un hombre virtuoso. Esta situación del genio copiando se ha repetio a loSi es buena, muy bien contada, muy ben hecha, pero muy moralista, practicamente un asco de persona (un ganador de nobel?), es imposible desmeritar todo lo logrado en un hombre virtuoso. Esta situación del genio copiando se ha repetio a lo largo de la humanidad, ejemplos recientes Jobs, Gates, Stan Lee, y se parece mucho a la peli Big eyes, donde sin el hombre ellas nunca hubieran sido reconocidas.… Expand
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7
movieducationOct 24, 2018
Glenn Close is ready for her close-up ! Indisputably astonishing in THE WIFE, unravelling this supporting, long suffering wife through gesture, understated facial expression and leading her character to the level that the film doesn'tGlenn Close is ready for her close-up ! Indisputably astonishing in THE WIFE, unravelling this supporting, long suffering wife through gesture, understated facial expression and leading her character to the level that the film doesn't deserve her. She won't be ignored this time !… Expand
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8
BerikDec 5, 2018
An interesting story which reveals itself slowly as it proceeds. Well written characters, good development and exposition. I can recommend this movie, it earns a 8/10.
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8
m15964Feb 26, 2019
A great story behind the relationship between a very successful and famous wife and husband that has a great act by Glen Close. I think the final part of the film would be with me and inside my spirit for a long time and I'll think about thisA great story behind the relationship between a very successful and famous wife and husband that has a great act by Glen Close. I think the final part of the film would be with me and inside my spirit for a long time and I'll think about this movie years and years. MUST WATCH!… Expand
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8
ThatFilmGuy20Feb 13, 2019
The wife is a brilliant case study of love and all the complexities that accompany it, it truly captures something special that goes beyond our crude idea of a marriage, it explores that theme vigorously and carefully at the same time, theThe wife is a brilliant case study of love and all the complexities that accompany it, it truly captures something special that goes beyond our crude idea of a marriage, it explores that theme vigorously and carefully at the same time, the plot is so simple yet infinitely charming and gripping, I found myself quite immersed by the dialogue and how genuine they are, the credit for that goes to two legendary actors who performed flawlessly, to convey a higher meaning.
Glenn Close accompanied by Jonathan Pryce create an amazing piece of work, my aimless words won't do them justice as they were a marvelous treat, acting in its truest forms, raw and unfiltered.
The wife is a satisfying exploration into a world experienced by few but relatable by many in terms of love and pain, delicious acting, to say the least, I thoroughly enjoyed it.… Expand
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8
LadyOnTheShoreJan 16, 2019
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A wonderful performance by all characters. My only thought is about the very ending: is she really going to tell the children the truth about their father.... or will she try to preserve his positive memory by keeping the anguishing secret?… Expand
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6
BrunoVn00Jun 22, 2019
A wonderful performance by Glenn Close...Ruined by an incredibly weak script. Besides Close's acting (and maybe Jonathan Pryce's too) everything else in the movie is so average and bland. The rest of the performances are not so good, theA wonderful performance by Glenn Close...Ruined by an incredibly weak script. Besides Close's acting (and maybe Jonathan Pryce's too) everything else in the movie is so average and bland. The rest of the performances are not so good, the direction and cinematography have no style. The story had potential to be great, on paper it sounds good, but the way it was executed was not so good, with constant cuts to flashbacks with two bad actors that have no chemistry, with a boring villain subplot that goes nowhere, I was really bored until the ending, which was unexpected and not disappointing at all, at least the ending was great and saved the movie from being a total disaster but it's still a well acted, pretty average movie.… Expand
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8
DawdlingPoetNov 22, 2021
I found this a bittersweet watch. It made me sad to see how the titular character was/is made to walk in her husbands shadow and I certainly thought Glenn Close gave a very good performance, with her appearing quite apathetic at times andI found this a bittersweet watch. It made me sad to see how the titular character was/is made to walk in her husbands shadow and I certainly thought Glenn Close gave a very good performance, with her appearing quite apathetic at times and certainly having an air of steely determination. We're shown flashbacks to certain times in her past and as a viewer I felt quite intrigued to see what had come to pass and how she dealt with things. I suppose its about patience and control, at the heart of it.

I thought this was a thoughtful, well made drama that I'd recommend.… Expand
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