She-Devil
She-Devil

She-Devil

1989Movie99 minEnglish

A cunning and resourceful housewife vows revenge on her husband when he begins an affair with a wealthy romance novelist.

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Insights

IMDb5.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes38%
Metacritic45/100
Google Users64%
Director: Susan SeidelmanGenres: Comedy, Crime

Plot Summary

A scorned, frumpy housewife named Ruth Patchett embarks on a meticulously planned, increasingly outlandish campaign of revenge against her cheating husband, her glamorous romantic rival, and ultimately, her own life. As Ruth systematically destroys everything her husband holds dear, including his career and reputation, she transforms herself from a downtrodden wife into a formidable force.

Critical Reception

She-Devil received mixed reviews from critics and was a box office disappointment. While Roseanne Barr's performance as Ruth was often praised for its comedic timing and uninhibited portrayal, Meryl Streep's role as the vain and successful author was seen by some as a departure from her usual dramatic roles. The film's slapstick humor and outlandish plot were divisive, with some finding it refreshingly bold and others deeming it over-the-top and unfocused.

What Reviewers Say

  • Roseanne Barr's uninhibited performance is a highlight, bringing a unique energy to her role.
  • The film's comedic attempts often fall flat due to an over-reliance on slapstick and an increasingly absurd plot.
  • Meryl Streep's portrayal of the glamorous author is a curious choice, and doesn't always mesh with the film's overall tone.

Google audience: Audience reviews for She-Devil are divided. Many appreciate Roseanne Barr's bold and humorous performance, finding her character's revenge plot entertaining. However, a significant portion of viewers found the movie's humor too broad and its plot too ridiculous, leading to a polarizing reception.

Awards & Accolades

Roseanne Barr was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy in 1990.

Fun Fact

Meryl Streep took on the role of Mary Fisher partly because she admired the film's director, Susan Seidelman, and wanted to work with her.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
r96sk

r96sk

Big fan of this! Recommended. <em>'She-Devil'</em> offers up a pretty simple story but it's one that is portrayed in an amusing and interesting manner. Meryl Streep, Roseanne Barr and Ed Begley Jr. all give top performances, in a film th...