She-Devil

What happens when a devoted wife discovers her husband's infidelity with a glamorous romance author? In She-Devil, directed by Susan Seidelman, that question ignites a darkly comedic battle of wills. Roseanne Barr stars as Ruth Patchett, a woman whose world is shattered when she learns her husband, Bob (Ed Begley Jr.), is having an affair with the very author whose books she admires, Mary Fisher, played by Meryl Streep. This 1989 comedy, produced on a budget of $20 million, sees Ruth embark on an increasingly elaborate and vengeful quest to reclaim her life and make Bob and Mary pay.

The film, which grossed $15.4 million domestically, mines humor from Ruth's escalating schemes and the absurdity of the situation. Seidelman, known for her work on Desperately Seeking Susan, brings a sharp, feminist edge to the material, exploring themes of female ambition and the societal pressures faced by women, even those who seem to have it all together on the surface. The cast, including Linda Hunt as Hooper, Bob's perceptive mother-in-law, and Sylvia Miles as Ruth's mother, adds layers of personality to this tale of domestic revenge.[edit]

She-Devil begins with Ruth Patchett, a woman who has dedicated herself to her husband Bob and their children. Bob, however, is a struggling accountant with a secret life. He is entangled with Mary Fisher, a wildly successful romance novelist whose books are a source of inspiration for Ruth. Ruth, a devoted reader and admirer of Mary's work, is unaware that her husband is not only unfaithful but is involved with the very author she idolizes.

The discovery of Bob's affair sends Ruth's life into a tailspin. Betrayed and humiliated, she becomes consumed by a desire for retribution. Her initial attempts to sabotage her husband are born out of desperation and a clumsy understanding of the situation. These efforts, however, set in motion a series of events that spiral far beyond her initial intentions.

Driven by her need for revenge, Ruth abandons her family and embarks on a transformative journey. She finds an unexpected ally in Hooper, Bob's pragmatic mother-in-law, who possesses a keen eye for Bob's character flaws. As Ruth delves deeper into her mission, she uncovers a remarkable capacity for manipulation and a fierce resilience she never knew she possessed. Her focus sharpens as she begins to systematically dismantle Bob's life and career.

The narrative follows Ruth as she orchestrates increasingly complex and audacious schemes. These plans are designed to ruin Bob's reputation and financial standing, while simultaneously targeting Mary Fisher's carefully constructed public image and considerable fortune. The conflict intensifies as Ruth grows more adept and ruthless in her pursuit. She navigates a treacherous path, blurring the lines between victim and antagonist. Her transformation from a downtrodden housewife into a formidable force is central to the film's escalating tension. Ruth's ultimate goal is to leave Bob and Mary with nothing, securing her own independence and a sense of justice.[edit]