The Women (released in theaters on September 12, 2008) introduces Mary Haines (Meg Ryan), a Connecticut clothing designer whose comfortable life unravels when her best friend, fashion magazine editor Sylvie Fowler (Annette Bening), discovers Mary’s husband is having an affair with Saks perfume girl Crystal Allen (Eva Mendes).
Supported by her inner circle – expectant mother Edie Cohen (Debra Messing) and blunt writer Alex Fisher (Jada Pinkett Smith) – Mary confronts the betrayal, but the scandal leaks into a gossip column edited by Bailey Smith (Carrie Fisher), straining Mary’s marriage and her bond with Sylvie.
Following her separation, Mary retreats to a Connecticut health farm on the advice of her pragmatic mother, Catherine (Candice Bergen), and with support from housekeeper Maggie (Cloris Leachman).
There, brassy agent Leah Miller (Bette Midler) inspires Mary to reclaim her independence.
Meanwhile, manicurist Tanya (Debi Mazar) unintentionally keeps the social grapevine buzzing with insider updates, prompting Mary to confront Crystal directly.
Reconciling with Sylvie, Mary launches a successful fashion line and stages a personal comeback, putting her own identity, career ambitions, and female friendships ahead of societal expectations.
Writer-director Diane English updates George Cukor’s 1939 classic, keeping the signature concept of an all-female cast without a single male actor appearing on screen.
Ryan brings steady warmth to Mary’s transformation, while Bening delivers sharp comedic timing as Sylvie.
Mendes turns in a delightfully vampy performance as the mistress, and Midler commands her scenes with scene-stealing energy.
Meg Ryan in The Women (Photo/Warner Bros.)
Reception for The Women
The Women grossed $10.1 million on its opening weekend, finishing fourth at the box office.
The film would gross $50 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave The Women three out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
The Women‘s legacy rests on its unique position as a studio comedy centering female camaraderie, sisterhood, and career ambition.
Maintaining the bold structural commitment of its source material, the production demonstrated that an all-female ensemble could carry a major mainstream release, anticipating the female-led comedy boom of the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Celebrated by fans of its lead actresses, The Women remains an enjoyable celebration of female friendship, highlighted by vibrant Manhattan visuals, stylish wardrobe design, and an impressive lineup of iconic Hollywood performers.
