Some films entertain, some spark conversations, and some ignite full-blown debates. Mrs. falls into the last category. While praised for its feminist narrative, it has also faced backlash—especially from men—who argue that the film selectively highlights only one side of the gender equation in marriage.
The question is: Does the film truly reflect reality, or does it paint a one-dimensional picture of relationships?
Let’s break it down.
The Premise: A Woman’s Struggle in Marriage
The movie follows a woman who, after getting married into a traditional family, realizes her freedom is being chipped away:
- She wants to work, but her family tells her that a woman’s role is to take care of the household.
- She desires an emotional, fulfilling sex life, but her husband treats intimacy as a mechanical duty.
- She is asked to erase her past (her dance videos), as if her identity before marriage no longer matters.
It’s a sharp critique of how patriarchal families treat women—not as individuals, but as extensions of their husbands. The film presents these conflicts in a way that makes audiences uncomfortable, forcing them to reflect on how many women silently go through this.
But here’s where the backlash begins: Does the film reduce men to one-dimensional antagonists?
The Social Media Backlash: Where Are the Men’s Issues?
While Mrs. successfully highlights a woman’s struggle, many male viewers on social media have raised concerns: The movie doesn’t acknowledge that men, too, face societal pressures in marriage.
It presents all men as emotionally unavailable, indifferent, or controlling.
It ignores how many men suffer in silence due to societal expectations.
The Missing Male Perspective:
Men on social media argue that while Mrs. talks about women’s struggles, it leaves out:
- The burden of financial responsibility – Men are expected to be the sole providers in many marriages, even if they don’t want to be.
- Emotional suppression – Society discourages men from expressing sadness, which leads to mental health issues.
- Legal risks in marriage – Divorce and alimony cases often favor women, making marriage a financial risk for men.
These arguments don’t take away from the film’s core message but raise a valid point: If we want gender equality, why does the conversation often focus on one gender’s struggles while ignoring the other’s?
A One-Sided Narrative or a Necessary Truth?
Supporters of the film argue that Mrs. is simply showing one woman’s experience—not making a universal statement. They believe: The film doesn’t need to focus on men’s struggles because patriarchy affects women more severely.
The discomfort men feel watching this film is a reflection of how rarely women’s struggles are talked about in mainstream cinema.
Just because the film shows a flawed male character doesn’t mean all men are being villainized.
On the other hand, critics argue that: Gender issues should be discussed holistically, and ignoring men’s struggles reinforces a biased narrative.
The film portrays marriage only through a woman’s victimhood, leaving no room for discussion on how traditional expectations harm both genders.
What Could Have Been Better?
While Mrs. is a powerful film, it could have benefitted from: A more nuanced portrayal of men – Not all husbands are emotionally detached, and not all marriages function in rigid patriarchal structures.
A broader conversation on marriage – How both men and women struggle under societal expectations.
A deeper exploration of solutions – The film highlights problems but doesn’t offer meaningful dialogue on how relationships can evolve.
Final Verdict
½ (3.5/5)
What Works?
A bold take on women’s struggles in orthodox families
A much-needed conversation starter on marital expectations
A gripping, emotionally charged performance by the lead actress
What Could Have Been Better?
A more balanced gender perspective
A deeper exploration of how relationships can be saved instead of just showing separation as the only solution
Conclusion: A Necessary Film, But Not the Whole Story
Mrs. is an important film because it sheds light on the suffocation many women feel in traditional marriages. But it’s also a limited perspective, which is why it has faced backlash from men who feel their struggles are constantly ignored in modern discourse.
Instead of viewing this as men vs. women, the takeaway should be: Marriage needs evolution, relationships need balance, and conversations should be two-sided.
What’s your take? Does Mrs. successfully start an important conversation, or does it push a one-sided narrative? Let’s discuss.