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Nobody's Wife

Name: Nobody's Wife
Director: María Luisa Bemberg
Released: 1982
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

4.2/10

Fair

1982

Director

María Luisa Bemberg

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

María Luisa Bemberg uses the historical drama genre to critique the traditional family structure and highlight the systemic erasure of women's rights within the home. The film successfully deconstructs the 'ideal' family unit and emphasizes the psychological liberation of women. Leonor's decision to leave her husband and children is presented as a necessary step towards reclaiming her independence. This shifts the focus from maintaining social order to personal freedom. While the film excels in challenging traditional gender roles, it remains confined to the specific racial and social context of 19th-century Argentina, limiting its broader impact.

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Category Breakdown

Does Nobody's Wife have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on the societal norms of the 19th century, where everyone is assumed to be straight and cisgender. There is no indication of same-sex relationships or gender identities outside the norm.

How does Nobody's Wife portray gender?

Excellent

Leonor's journey from a submissive housewife to an independent woman highlights her strong role in driving the story and challenges traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Nobody's Wife?

Fair

The casting reflects the social and racial hierarchy of 19th-century Argentina, providing a historically accurate portrayal of the time's social structure.

How does Nobody's Wife represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film criticizes traditional Western and religious institutions, showing marriage and the home as restrictive environments that can lead to deception and oppression.

Does Nobody's Wife include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no significant portrayals of physical or mental disabilities that influence the story.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender roles and patriarchal structures.
Highlights the protagonist's journey towards independence.
Critiques marriage as a restrictive social institution.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ individuals and non-cisgender identities.
Limited racial and ethnic diversity, reflecting the period's social stratification.
No portrayal of disabilities within the narrative.

Official Synopsis

It is the story of Eleanor, a good housewife who lives with her husband, Fernando, and their two children. Deeply loves her husband and does not question the reciprocity of love and fidelity. One day, circumstantially, discovers her husband is cheating. Leonor emotionally feels betrayed and realizes that his world, based on a lie, has collapsed like a house of cards. With more fear than conviction, leaving the house, leaving little signs with instructions for their march and trust their children to the care of her husband.

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