She-Devil

She-Devil

Year: 1989

Runtime: 99 min

Language: English

Director: Susan Seidelman

Comedy

A quirky housewife, Ruth Patchett, seeks retribution when her husband leaves her for a celebrated romance novelist. Determined to disrupt their relationship, she embarks on a comedic quest to undermine both Bob and his new lover, the glamorous Mary Fisher. The film explores themes of jealousy, revenge, and the complexities of love with a wickedly funny tone, showcasing a battle for control and a search for personal validation.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – She-Devil (1989)

Explore the full timeline and setting of She-Devil (1989). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie portrays contemporary life, dealing with issues relevant to the late 20th century, such as infidelity, the challenges of motherhood, and the quest for personal identity. The character's dynamics reveal societal norms of the time, particularly regarding gender roles and expectations within relationships.

Location

New York City, Guggenheim Museum, Golden Twilight Nursing Home

The movie takes place in various locations including the bustling suburbs of New York City, where Ruth Patchett lives with her family. The Guggenheim Museum serves as a backdrop for the initial conflict between Ruth and Mary Fisher, setting the tone for the ensuing rivalry. Additionally, the Golden Twilight Nursing Home illustrates a stark contrast to Ruth's suburban life, highlighting the experiences of the elderly and the hidden stories within.

🌆 City 🎨 Museum 🏥 Nursing Home

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:07

Main Characters – She-Devil (1989)

Meet the key characters of She-Devil (1989), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ruth Patchett

Ruth Patchett is a loving but clumsy homemaker who feels unnoticed and undervalued in her family. After discovering her husband's affair, she transforms into a determined and vengeful woman, using her cunning to dismantle her enemies' lives. Her evolution from a meek housewife to an empowered figure highlights the complexities of motherhood and self-identity.

👩‍👧‍👦 Mother 😠 Vengeful 🌱 Empowered

Mary Fisher

Mary Fisher is an attractive and successful romance novelist whose life becomes intertwined with Ruth's following her affair with Bob. Initially portrayed as confident, her character reveals deeper insecurities and struggles with motherhood. Mary's journey showcases the pressure of societal expectations on women, revealing the challenges beneath a glamorous exterior.

📚 Author 😥 Insecure 🎭 Competitor

Bob Patchett

Bob Patchett is Ruth's husband, a seemingly successful accountant who prioritizes his career and extramarital interests over his family. His dismissive attitude sets the stage for Ruth's transformation, ultimately leading to his downfall. Bob embodies the archetype of a self-centered man trapped by his own decisions, showcasing the complexities within marital dynamics.

👨‍💼 Husband 😒 Unfaithful 🚪 Dismissive

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:07

Major Themes – She-Devil (1989)

Explore the central themes of She-Devil (1989), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔥 Revenge

Revenge is a central theme in 'She-Devil,' as Ruth transforms from a scorned homemaker into a calculating woman bent on dismantling her husband's life. Her actions demonstrate the extremes one may go to reclaim control and power. Ruth's journey illustrates that vengeance can be both liberating and destructive, creating cycles of conflict.

🌸 Identity

The exploration of identity is significant, as Ruth creates a new persona, Vesta Rose, to escape her mundane life and reclaim her self-worth. The film challenges stereotypes about women and underscores the importance of self-discovery and empowerment, especially after societal rejections. This new identity allows Ruth to take charge of her life and build her own narrative.

💔 Infidelity

Infidelity acts as a catalyst, triggering a series of events that unravel Ruth's family life. Bob's affair with Mary impacts both women profoundly, pushing them into direct competition. This theme examines the fragility of trust and commitment within relationships, revealing how easily they can be shattered.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:07

Unlock the Full Story of She-Devil

Don't stop at just watching — explore She-Devil in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what She-Devil is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

She-Devil Summary

Read a complete plot summary of She-Devil, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

She-Devil Summary

She-Devil Timeline

Track the full timeline of She-Devil with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

She-Devil Timeline

More About She-Devil

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about She-Devil: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About She-Devil

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