A Woman Under the Influence Reviews

Dude, what a fucking performance from everyone especially Gena, mind-blowing.
I forgot that I'm sitting on my bed watching this, I felt like I'm in the middle of the house.
Maybe bc it was relatable in a way idk.
One of the best female leads of all time.
God, they literally kept-

“just be yourself” okay but when she is she’s called crazy and is silenced. second, the “i’ll kill you/the kids” okay no wonder the kids didn’t want to hold your hands afterwards NICK you’re a terrible father and the fact that no one questioned his role as a parent/husband,,, abysmal because he got so angry and did that shit PUBLICLY too. and her reunion with her kids made me tears and they way they just wanted to stay with her and make sure she was alright ugh,, i love how they portrayed her return and how she was trying to act calm and like she “wasn’t crazy” anymore so that no they wouldn’t send her back. just the way people treated her versus how everyone else got to have outbursts of emotions but hers weren’t okay because she was “insane”

“Dad, will you stand up for me?”

shes just like me

Horrific

such a unique and upsetting experience, a gem in emotional and anxiety-inducing film that happens to be one of cassavetes’ indie masterworks. the writing is phenomenal and gena rowlands gives an all-time great performance in this character study. an essential classic

Every second of the movie I just wanted to be there and hug Mabel 😞

One of the most agonising, uncomfortable and powerful films I’ve seen. It felt like I was intruding on these characters’ private lives.

The amount of trigger warnings this movie needs. Watched this in film history tonight and holy shit it was an uncomfortable watch. Extremely realistic but awful story. Fuck you nancy for not warning any of us

Warning: SA, SH, abuse, child pornography, intense depression/bipolar

P-O-W-E-R-F-U-L.

Heartbreakingly misunderstood. This film touched me dearly, I insist you watch it. That said, it’s a little long, and could definitely benefit from cutting bit. But this slice of life cuts deep and resonates strongly.

I’ll let you know when I’m done processing this look into a character so complex, words can even.

This film was a drag. Lack of structure, aimless, could have moved at a quicker pace. The dull, empty ambience and lack of music made this difficult to get through. The two lead roles put on a striking performance, but unhinged script and direction made this unenjoyable for me.

didn't finish it I was really bored sorry Hudson.

This was rather incredible. It’s slow, yes, but each moment feels painstaking in its examination of the main characters. Each moment of their interactions feels so raw.

Gena Rowlands’ performance is next level. You feel all of her pain, her confusion and her need to be authentic.

It’s such a harrowing story of a woman pushed to the edge by an abusive husband and a cast of “friends” who call into question her every word. It’s a slice of life that shows how damaging and unfair expectations can be on others. Mabel is simultaneously being told to be herself and also to not show any emotion or be called crazy. How could that not drive you to madness?

I really loved the cinematography here. It almost at times felt like reality tv (complimentary) in how it felt like the camera was trying to keep up with what was happening. Being a little delayed in racking focus or tracking the subject. It made it all feel more real, like you were in the room.

So many powerful scenes in this that I won’t share as to spoil, but damn, that scene after her return at the table where she addresses her father was like a gut punch.

What a masterpiece.

This is an amazing and very raw film. The cast is amazing with the stand out being Gena Rowlands. There is a constant tension within the household that is built upon the amazing writing, performances, and cinematography. There are moments where I felt that I was spying in on this dysfunctional relationship and others where you are right in the middle of it all. The writing is phenomenal throughout the film but especially stands out during the climax of the film before Mabel is sent away and during the final dinner scene. Amazing film.

I’m feeling scared and confused. Why are these people acting like this what’s going onnnn. Get me in there I need to do some couples counseling

Very rough watch since the performances feel so real and are something you'll probably never want to revisit. Gena Rowlands is on another level, though, definitely one of the best performances of all time. I know some aren't fans of the ending, but it doesn’t bring down the film.

Y

7.8/10

mabel can i give you a hug