Movie Review - The Wife

The Wife is a solid flick, maybe a tad predictable. BUT.  And this is a big BUT …watching Glenn Close is a master class in acting. She is compelling even when silent. Her eyes and face must be watched. Let Oscar races begin for fall.

Jonathan Pryce plays Joe, the author, awaiting a phone call from Sweden. Sure, enough he wins the Nobel Prize for Literature and who’s by his side? Joan (Glenn Close), the wife – ever supportive and caring through the years. So, the trek to Stockholm brings out family dynamics between Joe, his son, and Joan. Joe is vain, insecure, and has failing health. Joan is classy, smart, and stands in the corner watching the whole schmooze. We see flashbacks to when she met Joe at Smith College in 1958. She’s the talented student in literature. He’s the young, hot professor in a “bad” marriage. She marries, they have kids, he’s the talented author.

Oh, but there’s more to that story. We gain insight as Christian Slater (a reporter, biographer) asks probing questions about Joe and Joan. He has theories about the body of work and success of Joe. You can see where this is all headed, but it’s worth the 100 minute journey just to watch Glenn Close. Good lines, good pauses, blue eyes that can flash anger, signal disappointment, smile, and show fierce determination. The Wife, the wife – a woman to be reckoned with, not to be taken lightly.  Tight film and excellent performances. As an author/writer, I enjoyed the literature aspect of this movie.

Solid B for bravo acting.