This Was a Woman
A British slice of domestic poison that plays like a genteel Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?, This Was a Woman is an elegant but chilly melodrama about a family quietly eaten from within. It’s more drawing-room deceit than true thriller, and most of the cast seem frozen in polite restraint.
Sonia Dresdel, though, is mesmerising. As the narcissistic wife and mother from hell, she turns manipulation into performance art — all arched brows and measured venom. Her presence gives the film its pulse, lifting it above its stagey trappings.
The script lands some sly blows against post-war class snobbery and moral hypocrisy, even if the direction plays it safe. Faint traces of mysticism and witchcraft add an unexpected twist — as though evil itself had settled into suburbia and put the kettle on.
Sonia Dresdel, though, is mesmerising. As the narcissistic wife and mother from hell, she turns manipulation into performance art — all arched brows and measured venom. Her presence gives the film its pulse, lifting it above its stagey trappings.
The script lands some sly blows against post-war class snobbery and moral hypocrisy, even if the direction plays it safe. Faint traces of mysticism and witchcraft add an unexpected twist — as though evil itself had settled into suburbia and put the kettle on.
Mini Review: A genteel Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? in pearls and poison. This Was a Woman simmers with domestic deceit but rarely boils over — most of the cast stay frozen in polite restraint. Sonia Dresdel, though, is magnetic as the monstrous matriarch, turning manipulation into performance art. Sharp class jabs and a hint of witchcraft give this chilly melodrama its charm.