seeingbystarlight Review of Woman Wanted

Woman Wanted (1999)

"My father, who had never loved my mother, laid her to rest in most indecent haste."

[10/10 · 29 July 2018]

So writes Wendell Goddard about his parents, in this surprising little gem of a movie.

The story revolves around three characters:

Emma Riley (Holly Hunter), a charming, divorced woman who's been hired as a live-in housekeeper.

Richard Goddard (Michael Moriarty), the old fashioned college professor who hired her.

And his aforementioned troubled son Wendell (Kiefer Southerland), an aspiring poet who spends his days locked in his room.

The death of Richard's wife Marion (Elaine Pidgen) has caused a rift between the two men.

Wendell writes scathing, though not inarticulate, poetry about his unhappy home life.

Richard, meanwhile, shakes his head at his son's instability.

The arrival of Emma in their lives only makes matters worse as they're both attracted to the lovely woman (and she to them).

Though just a little movie, the acting and direction are impressive, making this sleeper one of the best stories about a love triangle that I've ever seen.

And there haven't been very many.

Also adding to the story is Wendell's 24 hour wife Monica (Carrie Preston), who gives it unexpected levity.

The ending really makes the movie, coming to a conclusion in a way that is satisfactory as well as very positive.

This is one of my favorites.

I'm really impressed that Kiefer Southerland was the director.

Originally, Review #125

Posted On: July 8, 2011