The Rich Man’s Wife is an erotic thriller that leans into the genre’s love for mystery, infidelity, and deception. The film features a strong central performance by Halle Berry and is a sleek, stylish examination of a woman pushed to her breaking point.
The plot centers on Josie Potenza (Berry), the wife of a wealthy Hollywood producer, Tony Potenza (Christopher McDonald).
Feeling neglected and isolated, Josie travels to a secluded mountain cabin to clear her head. There, she has a seemingly innocent conversation with a charming stranger named Jake Golden (Peter Greene), where she hypothetically muses about what life would be like without her husband.
When Tony is suddenly murdered, Josie becomes the prime suspect. As the police, led by Detective Dan Fredricks (Charles Hallahan) and Detective Ron Lewis (Frankie Faizon), build a case against her, she finds herself entangled in a web of lies and betrayal, unsure who she can trust.
Clive Owen, in a early role, plays struggling restaurateur Jake Golden.
Berry delivers a compelling performance, balancing her character’s fear, vulnerability, and growing defiance as she is framed for a crime she didn’t commit.
Greene is effective as the unsettlingly charismatic stranger, and Owen adds a cool, sophisticated presence to the mix.
The film’s intricate plot is designed to keep the audience off balance with multiple red herrings and shifting alliances. It is a suspenseful thriller that holds your attention with its twisting narrative and well-paced revelations.
Amy Holden Jones, screenwriter for such films as Indecent Proposal, The Getaway and Mystic Pizza, directed the film.
Halle Berry and Clive Owen in The Rich Man’s Wife (Photo/Hollywood Pictures)
Reception for The Rich Man’s Wife
The Rich Man’s Wife grossed $3.1 million on its opening weekend, finishing in fifth place at the box office. The top grossing film of the weekend was Maximum Risk starring Jean-Claude Van Damme.
The film would gross $8.5 million in its theatrical run.
Roger Ebert gave the film two and a half out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
The Rich Man’s Wife is a solid genre piece that, while not a masterpiece, is a compelling and entertaining watch, especially for Halle Berry fans.
The film’s legacy is tied to its position within the erotic thriller genre and its showcasing of Berry in an early leading role and it remains a notable example of the mid-90s thriller boom, characterized by its twisting plot and moody atmosphere.
