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 – She-Devil (1989)

Trace every key event in She-Devil (1989) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Ruth's Family Life

Ruth Patchett lives in the suburbs of New York City with her husband Bob and their two children, Nicolette and Andy. Although she is a loving homemaker, her clumsiness and appearance often overshadow her efforts in the eyes of her family.

Suburbs of New York City
2

The Guggenheim Party

Bob takes Ruth to a networking party at the Guggenheim Museum, hoping to impress. During the event, Ruth accidentally spills wine on famous romance novelist Mary Fisher, much to Bob’s embarrassment.

Guggenheim Museum, New York City
3

Bob's Night with Mary

After the party, Bob offers Mary a ride home, which turns into an unexpected overnight stay. The two become intimate, leading Bob to land Mary's account the next day.

Mary's home, Palace on the Sea
4

Ruth's Growing Suspicion

Returning home, Bob announces his new business deal with Mary, raising Ruth's suspicions about his fidelity. In a bid to please him, she attempts to improve her appearance and domestic skills.

Patchett Home
5

Dinner Disaster

The family dinner with Bob's parents goes horribly wrong, resulting in burnt food and the shocking discovery of a missing gerbil in a soup. Bob's harsh words spark an explosive argument between him and Ruth.

Patchett Home
6

Bob Moves Out

Following the disastrous dinner, Bob decides to leave Ruth permanently. He cruelly insults her, stating that she is his only liability, which fuels Ruth's anger and desire for revenge.

Patchett Home
7

Ruth's Vengeful Fire

In a fit of rage, Ruth begins to systematically destroy Bob's assets, starting with their home. She ignites a massive fire, leaving her with nothing but a sense of satisfaction over her first victory.

Patchett Home
8

Starting a New Life

Adopting the alias Vesta Rose, Ruth moves into a nursing home where she quickly realizes the residents are heavily sedated. Determined to help, she switches their medication, effectively waking them up.

Golden Twilight Nursing Home
9

Ruth's New Friendship

Ruth befriends Mrs. Fisher, Mary's estranged mother, and facilitates her visit to Mary. Ruth's actions lead to chaos at Mary's home as she struggles to manage Ruth's children.

Mary's home, Palace on the Sea
10

Planning Revenge

Ruth and her new friend Hooper hatch a plan to sabotage Bob's career by using financial information they gather. They devise strategies to expose Bob’s embezzlement scheme.

New York City
11

The Fall of Bob

Ruth anonymously reports Bob's financial crimes, leading to his arrest during a dinner party thrown by Mary. The chaotic events dramatically shift the power dynamics between the characters.

Mary's home
12

Courtroom Showdown

At Bob's trial, Ruth ensures that he faces a tough judge who does not sympathize with him during the trial. The verdict finds Bob guilty of embezzlement, leading to his imprisonment.

Courtroom
13

Life After Bob

A year later, Ruth visits Bob in prison with the kids, where he asks to cook for her upon his release. Meanwhile, Ruth has rebuilt her life, creating a successful agency for women.

Prison
14

Mary's New Success

Mary's new book, documenting her tumultuous life, becomes a major success. She seems to bounce back, showcasing her resilience amid ongoing changes in her life.

15

Ruth's Flourishing Life

Ruth walks through her new neighborhood, proudly wearing her agency's pin and surrounded by women she has empowered. With a newfound confidence, she reflects on the sweet revenge she has enacted.

World Trade Center Neighborhood

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36

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She-Devil Summary

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She-Devil Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in She-Devil

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Characters, Settings & Themes in She-Devil

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