7.2
Where can I stream The Wife legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Wife
2017·Movie
The Wife fingerprint
Strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Fast Pace2
- Adrenaline1
Heart
Melancholic and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
- Family Dynamics7
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Cringe Humor1
- Satire & Parody1
World
Everyday modern life, the mind, and family
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability5
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and dialogue
- Acting10
- Character Depth9
- Dialogue Quality8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Editing7
- Cinematography6
- Music Composition6
Energy
LowTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Wife is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle1Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowMelancholic and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's melancholic and moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, the mind, and family
Its world is built around everyday modern life, the mind, and family.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and dialogue
The performances, characters, and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative5Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization3Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want fast pacing
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Secrets lie between the lines
A wife questions her life choices as she travels to Stockholm with her husband, where he is slated to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Intense Marital DramaFeminine SacrificeIntellectual DeceptionAcclaim & ResentmentQuiet Power DynamicsCharacter-Driven StorySuperb Acting ShowcaseBittersweet RevelationReflective & Subdued
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Wife
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Wife worth watching?
76
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 77/100 (IMDb 7.2, Rotten Tomatoes 85%, and Metacritic 77). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Wife rated?
R
It's rated R in the United States.
How long is The Wife?
1 h 40 min
The Wife runs 1 h 40 min.
Is The Wife based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Wife?
Critics81
Audiences73
Not quite. Critics rate The Wife higher (81) than audiences (73). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was The Wife a box office hit?
Budget$7 million
Box office$20 million
Yes. It cost about $7 million to make and earned $20 million worldwide, 2.9 times its budget.
What language is The Wife in?
EnglishSwedish
It was made in English, with some Swedish. Produced in Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Wife?
69
+55
+55GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Wife in 69 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Wife use?
Oblivious to Their Own DescriptionForeshadowingThe Reveal
TV Tropes lists 3 storytelling tropes for The Wife, including Oblivious to Their Own Description, Foreshadowing, The Reveal.