A Good Wife (2016)
A Serbian drama about a woman who uncovers her husband's dark past while facing her own mortality — and finds the courage to begin again.
A Good Wife - Movie Information
- Original Title: Добра жена
- Release Year: 2016
- Directed by: Mirjana Karanović
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: Serbian
- Spoken Languages: Serbian
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 21, 2016 (RS)
- Alternative Titles: Dobra žena (RS), A Good Wife (GR)
- Production Companies: CinePlanet, This and That Productions
- Production Countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia
A Good Wife - Plot
When 50-year-old Milena finds out about the terrible past of her seemingly ideal husband, while simultaneously learning of her own cancer diagnosis, she begins an awakening from the suburban paradise she has been living in.
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A Good Wife - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Mirjana Karanović
Main Cast
- Mirjana Karanović
- Boris Isaković
- Marko Nikolić
- Hristina Popović
- Bojan Navojec
- Ksenija Marinković
- Jasna Đuričić
- Vlado Kerošević
- Isidora Simijonović
- Ermin Bravo
Writers
- Mirjana Karanović
Producers
- Snežana Penev
A Good Wife - FAQs
What is A Good Wife about?
A Good Wife follows Milena, a 50-year-old Serbian woman living a comfortable suburban life, who is shaken to her core when she discovers her husband's involvement in war crimes from the 1990s Balkan conflicts. Simultaneously facing a cancer diagnosis, she must confront painful truths and reclaim her own identity.
Is A Good Wife based on a true story?
A Good Wife is not based on a single true story, but it draws deeply on the historical reality of the Yugoslav Wars and the war crimes committed during the 1990s Balkan conflicts. Director Mirjana Karanović crafted the film to explore how ordinary families lived alongside — and sometimes enabled — atrocities.
Who directed and wrote A Good Wife?
A Good Wife marks the feature directorial debut of Mirjana Karanović, one of the most celebrated actresses in the former Yugoslav region. She also wrote the screenplay herself, making this a deeply personal project that blends her acting instincts with a bold, unflinching authorial vision.
Who are the main actors in A Good Wife?
Mirjana Karanović leads the cast as Milena, with Boris Isaković playing her husband Vlada. The ensemble also includes Marko Nikolić, Hristina Popović, Bojan Navojec, Ksenija Marinković, Jasna Đuričić, Vlado Kerošević, Isidora Simijonović, and Ermin Bravo.
How does A Good Wife address war crimes and complicity?
The film confronts the uncomfortable question of how much a spouse can — or chooses — to know about their partner's actions. Milena's journey forces her, and the audience, to reckon with silence as a form of complicity, exploring how domestic life can coexist with, and even shield, atrocity.
When was A Good Wife released?
A Good Wife had its official release on April 21, 2016, in Serbia. The film premiered at international festivals before reaching wider audiences, earning recognition for its powerful storytelling and Mirjana Karanović's remarkable dual role as both director and lead actress.
How long is A Good Wife?
A Good Wife runs for 90 minutes. It's a tightly constructed drama that uses its runtime efficiently, building emotional tension without overstaying its welcome — a focused, intimate film that leaves a lasting impression long after the credits roll.
What are similar films to A Good Wife?
If A Good Wife resonated with you, consider exploring The Lesson (2014), 3 Days in Quiberon (2018), Sky (2015), Antonia's Line (1995), and The Piano (1993). These films share similar themes of women confronting difficult truths, identity, and resilience in the face of personal and historical upheaval.
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