A GOOD WOMAN (2004)
A GOOD WOMAN (2004)
Starring: Helen Hunt, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Wilkinson
Genre: Drama / Romance / Comedy
“Reputation is what follows you. Love is what changes you.”
Review
A Good Woman is a polished period drama inspired by Oscar Wilde’s play Lady Windermere’s Fan, offering a graceful mix of romance, social satire, and emotional restraint. Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of 1930s Italy, the film explores gossip, morality, and the quiet power of compassion.
Helen Hunt delivers a poised and layered performance as Mrs. Erlynne, an elegant American woman whose scandalous reputation precedes her arrival in a rigid European high-society community. Hunt plays her with wit, mystery, and controlled vulnerability, turning what could have been a stereotype into a deeply human character.
Scarlett Johansson shines as Meg Windermere, a young woman caught between rigid moral ideals and the unsettling truths of adulthood. Johansson brings freshness and emotional sincerity, making Meg’s internal conflict feel genuine and relatable. Tom Wilkinson adds warmth and subtle humor as Mr. Windermere, grounding the story with quiet decency.
The film’s strength lies in its dialogue and performances rather than plot twists. Conversations crackle with Wildean irony, while unspoken glances and social gestures carry emotional weight. The central tension revolves around judgment—how society defines “good” and “bad” women, and how those labels often ignore context and sacrifice.
Visually, A Good Woman is elegant and inviting. Costumes, seaside villas, and soft Mediterranean light create a refined atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the sharp moral scrutiny of the characters. The pacing is deliberate, allowing themes to unfold naturally.
While the film remains faithful to its stage origins, it never feels static. The emotional payoff is subtle rather than dramatic, rewarding patience and attention to character nuance.
Highlights
• Helen Hunt’s sophisticated, emotionally layered performance
• Scarlett Johansson’s graceful coming-of-age role
• Witty, intelligent dialogue inspired by Oscar Wilde
• Beautiful period costumes and Italian seaside setting
• Thoughtful exploration of reputation, morality, and empathy
Final Verdict
7.5/10A Good Woman is a refined, character-driven drama that values emotional intelligence over melodrama. Elegant and thoughtful, it offers a timeless reminder that goodness is often more complicated—and more generous—than society allows.
“Judgment is easy. Understanding takes courage.”
