A Woman's Revenge (1990)

A Woman's Revenge Poster
Original Title: La Vengeance d'une femme

Suzy, a beautiful woman, is coming back to Paris to attend the funeral of her lover, a married man. Cecile, his wife, is holding Suzy responsible for his suicide. By finding Suzy in Paris, Cecile is trying to seek the truth by playing a psychological game on her.

Synopsis
"A Woman's Revenge" (likewise known as "La Venganza") is a remarkable film directed by Jacques Doillon, released in 1990. It tells the extreme and deep story of an unusual love triangle, set against the background of individual revenge. This French-Portuguese film stars Isabelle Huppert, Canecas and Jorge de Sena.

Plot
The movie starts with Roberto, represented by Jorge de Sena, a retired bachelor living a peaceful life in Portugal. His tranquil presence is interfered with when his separated youth friend's partner, Rita (Isabelle Huppert), arrived. Rita brings news that Roberto's good friend, Jose Carlos, is dead and that Roberto is the primary suspect. Roberto is baffled and felt assailed as he hasn't seen his good friend in years.

Unfolding Mystery
Rita chooses to stick with Roberto in his home until she receives the inheritance left by her husband. Throughout her stay, she confides her deep bitterness towards her late spouse, who had treated her poorly, and her desire for vengeance. Roberto is increasingly drawn to Rita's tantalizing story of her marital life. Rita's powerful stating of her tormented life enables her to seduce Roberto into her dangerous plan of revenge. Roberto, although at first reluctant, chooses to wait Rita, believing her claims against Jose Carlos.

Last Act of Revenge
In the final act, Rita, with Roberto's assistance, performs her plan to retaliate on her late hubby who allegedly concealed his real harsh nature under a friendly façade. This elaborate plan likewise assists clear Roberto off any suspicion of Jose Carlos's death. After successfully avenging her partner's deceit and ill-treatment, Rita leaves Roberto for good, leaving him to piece together the pieces of the puzzle left.

Styles and Reception
"A Woman's Revenge" is a deep and intriguing expedition of love, betrayal, vengeance, and adjustment. It admirably exhibits the complex power dynamics within social relationships. The film thrives due to the fact that of the nuanced performances, especially by Isabelle Huppert, whose representation of the vengeful and manipulative Rita is nothing short of enigmatic and engaging.

The film was normally well-received by critics for its suspenseful movie script and immersing efficiencies, equating into a mental thriller which kept audiences on the edge of their seat throughout. Critics also lauded the movie for its capability to maintain an air of secret and suspense, regardless of its simplistic plot and limited characters.

In conclusion, "A Woman's Revenge" may not be a conventional revenge film but it uses a deep and thought-provoking narrative that can disrupt audiences and make them believe. It's a slow burn of a motion picture with an appealing premise that checks out vengeance from an uncommon point of view, spinning a detailed web of deception and manipulation around its engrossed viewers.

Top Cast

  • Isabelle Huppert (small)
    Isabelle Huppert
    Cécile
  • Béatrice Dalle (small)
    Béatrice Dalle
    Suzy
  • Jean-Louis Murat
    Stéphane
  • Laurence Côte (small)
    Laurence Côte
    Laurence
  • Sebastian Roché (small)
    Sebastian Roché
  • David Léotard (small)
    David Léotard
  • Albert Le Prince
    Le médecin
  • Brigitte Marvine
    La danseuse
  • Pierre Amzallag
    Le voisin