Watch The Artist's Wife

The Artist's Wife is a 2019 drama film that revolves around the life of Claire Smythson, a renowned painter's wife, played by Lena Olin. The movie explores the complexities of relationships and the price that is often paid for art's sake. The story is set in the sophisticated art scene of New York, where Claire's husband Richard, played by Bruce Dern, is celebrated as one of the most talented artists in the city. However, after years of artistic success, Richard is diagnosed with dementia, and Claire has to make a difficult choice between her career and the responsibilities that come with taking care of her husband.

The movie follows Claire's journey as she grapples with the changes in her husband's behavior and the challenges of being a caregiver. As she tries to balance her career as a painter with her new role, she finds herself increasingly drawn to Richard's former protégé, played by Avan Jogia. Their relationship is complicated, and the lines between professional and personal life blur as they both navigate the uncertainty of the future.

Meanwhile, Claire's estranged daughter, played by Stefanie Powers, visits them after years of absence, bringing with her her own set of issues that further complicates Claire's life. The story explores a range of themes, such as aging, the challenges of caregiving, the price of success, and the complexity of relationships.

The film's central characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, giving the audience an intimate glimpse into their lives. Lena Olin delivers a stunning performance as Claire, portraying a woman who is strong, vulnerable, independent, and reliant on her husband, all at the same time. Bruce Dern delivers a compelling performance as Richard, capturing the essence of a once-great artist now struggling with dementia.

Stefanie Powers also delivers an impressive performance as Angela, Claire's daughter. Her character adds depth to the story, exploring issues such as family dynamics, forgiveness, and redemption. Avan Jogia's portrayal of Richard's former protégé is also noteworthy, as he brings to life a character who is ambitious, talented, and empathetic.

The film's pacing is deliberate, allowing the story to unfold in a natural and organic manner. The camera work is excellent, capturing the beauty and complexity of New York's art scene. The film also features an impressive score of music, which complements the visuals and adds to the overall impact of the movie.

Overall, The Artist's Wife is a poignant and powerful film that explores the complexities of relationships and the challenges that come with caregiving. It is a movie that is well-acted, well-directed, and well-written. The film's exploration of artistic success, aging, and family dynamics is relevant and thought-provoking, making it a must-see for anyone who enjoys compelling drama.

The Artist's Wife is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8 and a MetaScore of 53.