An Unsuitable Job for a Woman

An Unsuitable Job for a Woman

Year: 1982

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: English

Director: Chris Petit

DramaThrillerMystery

After her employer—an aging private detective—takes his own life and bequeaths his agency to her, Cordelia Gray is hired to look into the alleged suicide of his son. As she follows the case, she grows fixated on the young man’s memory, uncovering layers of intrigue that suggest his death was far from accidental. Corruption lurks.

An Unsuitable Job for a Woman (1982) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In the quiet aftermath of an aging detective’s self‑destruction, the modest office he leaves behind finds an unlikely new keeper. Cordelia Gray steps into the role with a mixture of trepidation and resolve, inheriting not only the case files but the weight of a profession that has long been dominated by men. The agency’s cramped walls, lined with yellowed photographs and the faint scent of stale tobacco, feel both intimate and oppressive—a far‑cry from the bustling streets outside. Yet the atmosphere is charged with a classic British noir charm, where rain‑slicked avenues and stately country estates coexist, offering a rich backdrop for subtle intrigue.

The first assignment that lands on Cordelia’s desk comes from a powerful family intent on preserving its reputation. James Callendar, a formidable real‑estate magnate, summons the fledgling investigator to probe the “suicide” of his son, Mark Callendar, a gifted university student who vanished from the privileged world he seemed destined to inherit. Assisting him is the enigmatic Elizabeth Leaming, whose aloof demeanor hints at secrets hidden behind polished veneers. The request is more than a routine inquiry; it pulls Cordelia into a sphere where wealth, status, and whispered rumors intertwine, suggesting that the truth may be far more complex than the official story admits.

As she navigates the delicate balance between deference and determination, Cordelia’s sharp intellect and instinctive curiosity become her most valuable tools. The film’s tone oscillates between quiet, introspective moments in dimly lit rooms and the lingering tension of a world where corruption lurks beneath genteel facades. Through measured dialogue and meticulously observed details, the story explores her evolution from a novice inheritor to a detective capable of confronting the hidden machinations of the elite. The atmosphere remains taut, inviting the audience to linger over every clue and wonder what lies just beyond the polished surface of the Callendar estate.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 16:22

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Female-led noir mysteries like An Unsuitable Job for a Woman

Moody mysteries where women unravel secrets in a cynical world.If you enjoyed the methodical investigation and atmospheric tension of An Unsuitable Job for a Woman, explore more movies like it. This collection features similar mysteries and thrillers where a female detective uncovers dark secrets, offering a steady-paced, moody vibe.

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Narrative Summary

Stories typically follow a determined female protagonist as she peels back the layers of a case, often encountering deception and resistance from a hostile environment. The journey is one of intellectual and moral fortitude against a backdrop of decay and secrecy.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared central archetype of a female detective, a dark and cynical tone, and a focus on procedural intrigue over visceral thrills. They deliver a specific blend of determination, atmosphere, and steady narrative unfolding.

Movies about uncovering dark family secrets like An Unsuitable Job for a Woman

Stories where a quiet investigation exposes a corrupt, wealthy dynasty.For viewers who liked the theme of uncovering family secrets in An Unsuitable Job for a Woman, this list curates similar movies. Discover other thrillers and dramas where an investigation peels back the layers of a corrupt and secretive family dynamic.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist, often a detective or journalist, being hired to look into a single event. Their investigation leads them into the heart of a wealthy or influential family, where polite facades crumble to expose lies, cover-ups, and a legacy of corruption.

Why These Movies?

These films share a core plot engine: the systematic exposure of hidden truths within a privileged family unit. They are united by a mood of atmospheric suspense, a steady pacing that allows secrets to unfold deliberately, and a morally complicated, often mixed, conclusion.

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