THE OTHER WOMAN (2014) Movie Review

Three women come together to seek revenge upon the man who lied and cheated on/with them. Out of this vicious campaign emerges a deep, beautiful friendship. "The Other Woman" is the dream all scorned women want. Freedom. Friendship. Family.

What's often not apart of the dream is the amount of work that goes into the sunshiny outcome. Or the harsh reality simmering beneath the surface of the circumstances. On the surface, Kate King has the lavish, privileged life that every housewife dreams about. That is not reality, because that world is moments from completely collapsing. Her husband's affairs are the least of it. Her husband is a con man and an abuser.

He isolates Kate from the world. She has no real friends, no job of her own, and no idea how to live on her own. She barely sees her loving brother who disapproves of her marriage. The potential of her brilliant mind and open heart in the hands of a monster who nearly corrupts her divine purpose. Her husband takes her innovative ideas and turns them into scams. What she must learn (and fast) is that she is better off without her cheating husband. Only then will her ideas reach their full potential.

Enter Carly, the other woman. The cold stone lawyer is the opposite of Kate in many ways. It may not be what Kate wants, but it is what Kate needs. Together, they are "the perfect woman". Both are very intelligent, which proves to be the con man's greatest mistake. He underestimates both of them. Kate has compassion, forgiveness, and insight. Carly is cold, direct, and ruthless. She has the legal knowledge to fight the con man legitimately and protect Kate's reputation in the process.

She can help set Kate free from the lie that has become her life. First, Kate needs to accept her need to change. She must want to leave her comfortable life. In the process of Kate's journey, the two women rub off on each other until they both create surprising outcomes for themselves. The ruthless lawyer becomes a wife and expecting mother. The gentle housewife becomes an unstoppable businesswoman. In the end, they are both incredibly happy. In spite of appearance, they both harbor secret desires that become reality. They just needed a strong example to follow. Most importantly, they become family.

The dark unknown can be terrifying if we don't feel ready for change, especially when leaving an abusive relationship or a comfortable rut. However, change is often necessary to achieve our divine purpose. What we need is a support system, people to help us through the painful process. Kate and Carly are fortunate to have each other, two of the unlikeliest of friends.

A support system may be waiting for you in the last place you expect. It may not be what you want, but it's what you need. Keep your eyes open.