How to Be a Good Wife

About This Movie

How to Be a Good Wife has this intriguing mix of comedy and social commentary, all wrapped up in the backdrop of 1960s France. You’ve got Paulette, who after losing her husband, starts reevaluating her life and the rigid expectations of the time. The pacing is a bit deliberate but it reflects the slow unraveling of the traditional roles that defined her world. Performances are quite engaging—especially the lead, who brings a nuanced take on a woman at a crossroad. The film’s use of bright, pastel colors juxtaposed against the heavier themes really creates this interesting visual mood. It captures that push and pull between duty and personal freedom, which feels as relevant now as it did then.

1960s France setting · Explores gender dynamics · Combination of comedy and drama