Viva (2008)
Anna Biller's audacious one-woman feminist satire plunges a naive housewife headfirst into the chaotic, carnivalesque world of the 1970s sexual revolution.
Viva - Movie Information
- Release Year: 2008
- Directed by: Anna Biller
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 0m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 7, 2008 (Denmark), May 15, 2009 (United Kingdom)
- Production Companies: Anna Biller Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Viva - Plot
Abandoned by her husband, Barbi is dragged into trouble by her girlfriend, who spouts women's lib as she gets Barbi to discard her bra and go out on the town. Barbi becomes a Red Riding Hood in a sea of wolves, and quickly learns a lot more than she wanted to about nudist camps, the hippie scene, orgies, bisexuality, sadism, drugs, and bohemia.
Viva - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Barbi's wild journey into the sexual revolution unfold:
They were housewives seeking kicks, in a world of swingers, orgies, booze and sin that was the sexual revolution!
Where to Watch Viva
Looking for where to watch Viva?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Viva - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Anna Biller
Main Cast
- Anna Biller
- Jared Sanford
- Bridget Brno
- Chad England
- Barry Morse
- Marcus DeAnda
- John Klemantaski
- Paolo Davanzo
- Veronica Alicino
- Sam Bologna
Writers
- Anna Biller
Producers
- Jared Sanford
- Anna Biller
Viva - FAQs
What is Viva (2008) about?
Viva follows Barbi, a housewife abandoned by her husband who gets swept up in the free-wheeling world of the 1970s sexual revolution. Nudist camps, hippie communes, orgies, and bohemian excess all await her. It's a sharp feminist satire wrapped in the lush visual style of vintage exploitation cinema.
Did Anna Biller really do everything on Viva?
Remarkably, yes. Anna Biller wrote, directed, produced, edited, and starred in Viva. She also designed the costumes, sets, and props herself. The film is essentially a one-woman creative vision, which makes its meticulous period detail and handcrafted aesthetic all the more impressive.
Where can you stream or watch Viva (2008)?
You can catch Viva on Kino Film Collection as part of a flatrate subscription. It's also available to rent or buy on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home, so finding a way to watch it shouldn't be a problem.
Is Viva a feminist film or just exploitation?
It's very much both, and that tension is the point. Biller uses the visual language of 1970s sexploitation cinema to critique the very culture it depicts. Barbi's journey through the sexual revolution exposes how liberation rhetoric often masked the same old male-centered power dynamics, making Viva a genuinely subversive work.
Who are the main cast members in Viva?
Anna Biller leads the film as Barbi, the wide-eyed housewife at the center of the story. Jared Sanford plays her husband Mark, while Bridget Brno appears as her provocateur friend Sheila. Chad England, Barry Morse, and Marcus DeAnda round out a colorful supporting cast.
What is the age rating for Viva (2008)?
Viva is rated R, which fits given its frank depictions of nudity, sexuality, and drug use. The content is presented with a campy, satirical tone rather than graphic intent, but the R rating is well-earned and the film is strictly for adult audiences.
How was Viva received by critics?
Critics praised Viva as a bold, visually inventive debut that transcended its B-movie inspirations. Reviewers highlighted Biller's extraordinary control over every element of production and her sharp satirical eye. The film earned a devoted cult following and cemented Biller's reputation as one of indie cinema's most distinctive voices.
What movies are similar to Viva (2008)?
If Viva clicked with you, try The Notorious Bettie Page (2006) for another stylized look at mid-century female sexuality, or All About Nina (2018) for a sharp modern feminist comedy-drama. Walking and Talking (1996) and Broken English (2007) also share Viva's interest in women navigating messy personal freedom.
More About Viva
Explore further details, credits, and community data for Viva on these trusted resources.