Husband & Wife (2017) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“Husband & Wife” (2017) – originally titled “Moglie e Marito” – is a delightful Italian romantic comedy that dives into the complexities of marriage, identity, and love through an amusing body-swap premise. Directed by Simone Godano, the film uses humor and heart to explore the ups and downs of married life, offering a fresh twist on the classic trope of couples struggling to understand each other. In this review, we’ll explore the plot, performances, and where you can stream or rent Husband & Wife online, particularly in the U.S.
Plot Summary: A Unique Twist on Marriage Troubles
Husband & Wife revolves around Andrea (Pierfrancesco Favino) and Sofia (Kasia Smutniak), a married couple whose relationship is on the verge of collapse. Andrea is a brilliant, albeit workaholic, neurosurgeon, while Sofia is a charismatic TV host. After years of marriage, their love has faded, replaced by constant bickering and frustration. They seem to be heading toward divorce, unable to connect with or understand each other anymore.
However, in a bizarre scientific accident involving one of Andrea’s experiments, the couple finds themselves in each other’s bodies. Suddenly, Andrea must navigate Sofia’s glamorous world of television, while Sofia struggles to keep up with Andrea’s demanding medical career. Forced to live each other’s lives, they gain an intimate understanding of the pressures, stresses, and challenges the other faces daily.
Through this hilarious and insightful body-swap, Andrea and Sofia begin to appreciate their partner’s struggles and rediscover the love they thought they had lost.
Performances: Chemistry and Humor in Every Scene
The success of Husband & Wife largely depends on the performances of its two leads, Pierfrancesco Favino and Kasia Smutniak, who skillfully bring humor and depth to the film’s premise.
- Pierfrancesco Favino shines as Andrea, portraying both the stern, serious neurosurgeon and the lighter, more glamorous version of Sofia when he takes on her persona. Favino’s ability to convey physical comedy while still maintaining the emotional core of his character is impressive. His transformation into Sofia, adjusting to her world, is both humorous and heartfelt.
- Kasia Smutniak, playing Sofia, also delivers an excellent performance, embodying Andrea’s analytical and uptight nature when the body-swap occurs. Smutniak’s portrayal of Sofia in Andrea’s body highlights the comedic challenges of adapting to a world of medicine and scientific jargon, which she plays with perfect comedic timing.
Both actors handle the physical and emotional demands of swapping genders and personalities with ease, making their chemistry on-screen even more delightful. Their performances elevate the film from a simple romantic comedy to a deeper exploration of marriage and understanding.
Direction and Cinematography: Visual Storytelling with Heart
Director Simone Godano brings a light, breezy touch to Husband & Wife, balancing the humor of the body-swap with the emotional complexity of marital issues. The film is stylishly shot, with vibrant visuals that contrast Andrea’s sterile medical world with Sofia’s flashy TV universe. The cinematography plays a key role in emphasizing the cultural and emotional differences between the couple, visually representing the contrasting lives they lead.
The use of physical spaces — from sterile operating rooms to colorful TV sets — adds depth to the characters’ experiences. Godano masterfully blends slapstick humor with emotional beats, ensuring the film is not only funny but also poignant.
Themes: Empathy, Love, and Identity
At its core, Husband & Wife is a film about empathy and understanding. By placing Andrea and Sofia in each other’s shoes, the film forces them to confront the realities of their partner’s life, something they had grown blind to over time. This deeper understanding of each other’s challenges reignites the love they had lost and reminds them of the importance of compassion in a relationship.
The film also explores themes of gender roles and identity. As the characters adapt to living in each other’s bodies, they challenge societal expectations of masculinity and femininity, allowing for some comedic and touching moments that highlight the fluidity of identity and the absurdity of rigid gender norms.
Critique: A Fun but Formulaic Rom-Com
While Husband & Wife is filled with charm, humor, and heart, it follows a relatively predictable rom-com formula. The body-swap trope has been seen in numerous films before, and while Husband & Wife adds its own unique spin, some of the story beats feel familiar. That being said, the film’s execution — particularly through the performances of Favino and Smutniak — elevates it beyond its formulaic structure.
The film also struggles at times with pacing, particularly in the second act, where the humor wanes slightly, and the focus shifts more to the emotional reconciliation of the couple. However, the resolution is satisfying, with both characters coming full circle and learning valuable lessons about love and marriage.
Where to Watch Husband & Wife Online in the U.S.
If you’re interested in watching Husband & Wife, here are the platforms where you can stream or rent the film online in the U.S.:
1. Amazon Prime Video
Husband & Wife is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. You can watch it in HD on multiple devices, including smart TVs, tablets, and mobile phones.
2. Apple TV
Apple TV offers the film for rental and purchase, making it a convenient option for users of Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Apple TV.
3. Google Play Movies & TV
Google Play Movies & TV also has Husband & Wife available for rent or purchase. You can stream it on Android devices, smart TVs, or through your web browser, making it accessible on various platforms.
4. Vudu
Vudu offers the film for rental and purchase. Available in HD, it’s another option for viewers who prefer to watch the film on a wide range of devices.
Why You Should Watch Husband & Wife
If you’re a fan of romantic comedies with a unique twist, Husband & Wife offers a refreshing take on the genre. The film’s body-swap premise not only provides plenty of laughs but also delves into deeper themes of empathy, gender roles, and the importance of understanding your partner’s struggles.
Pierfrancesco Favino and Kasia Smutniak’s performances make the film engaging, bringing both humor and emotional weight to their characters’ journey. While the story may follow familiar rom-com beats, the film’s charm and heart make it a worthwhile watch, particularly for couples looking for a lighthearted yet meaningful exploration of marriage.
Final Thoughts
Husband & Wife (2017) is a delightful romantic comedy that combines humor with heartfelt moments to explore the complexities of marriage. With standout performances from Pierfrancesco Favino and Kasia Smutniak, the film’s body-swap premise offers a unique way to look at love, identity, and the importance of empathy in a relationship.
Whether you’re looking for a fun movie night or a thought-provoking take on romantic relationships, Husband & Wife delivers a charming and entertaining experience. You can stream it on Amazon, Google Play, or Apple TV, making it easily accessible for viewers in the U.S.
