Review of The Woman (2011) by Timothy S — 24 Jul 2014

Sometimes a movie comes out of nowhere that simply floors you and becomes stuck in your head like a song you just can't shake no matter how hard you try. For me, "The Woman" is one such film, one that sounds odd on paper but you have no idea what you're getting yourself in to when you sit down to watch it.

The whole thing starts out weird and gradually thrusts you into a world that takes weirdness to a whole new level, a disturbing film with a message that many won't want to acknowledge. What looks to be a simple horror film works on so many different levels, at times appearing to be even comedic until the earth-shattering conclusion.

I honestly could not believe what I was seeing, and it's one of the few movies I've ever seen to honestly leave me speechless. At the center of it all, even eclipsing the commanding presence of Pollyanna McIntosh in the title role is a relatively unknown actor by the name of Sean Bridgers as the male lead. He's so good in a difficult role as a guy you love to hate. He sort of comes across as a maniacal Will Ferrel in a part that even Ferrel would be afraid to play. It's a daring performance in an equally daring film that takes us down some dark paths, and yet succeeds in making me want more.

The frantic, jaw-dropping conclusion happens fast and may warrant repeat viewings, but I suggest that a second viewing of "The Woman" would still maintain its impact. It's a film that I won't soon forget.