The Other Woman

Carly is a high- powered attorney who affirms her belief that “monogamy is not natural” by dating several men at once—until she stumbles upon Mark, who appears to be perfect.

The illusion quickly dissolves when she unexpectedly meets Kate, his wife. The two women develop an unlikely friendship that evolves into a mission to exact revenge against the unsuspecting man who duped them both.

Mark becomes the recipient of a string of cruel and sophomoric pranks, including estrogen-laced smoothies, untimely laxatives and progressive hair removers. It isn’t long before the cohorts discover yet another one of Mark’s conquests and the three collaborate on the ultimate payback.

This film overwhelms the viewer with a worldview that is completely void of reverence for God or acknowledgement of His word (James 4:4). When confronted by the reality of her involvement in an adulterous affair, Carly touts to her assistant Lydia, “I don’t do married guys”. Her conviction isn’t one of morality, but of her concern that she is “too old for this sh**.” Lydia concludes that because Carly is unemotional and non-commital, “married guys would be a perfect fit.” She also relays advice she received from her mother: “Selfish people live longer.” While sharing her misery with her father, he suggests that she simply needs to have sex with Mark to solve the problem.

Mark is unashamed of his lewd behavior toward women. He is constantly staring, gawking, and lusting after every young lady he sees (1 John 2:16). He views women as sexual objects to be conquered not loved, honored or cherished. Carly accuses Mark of being “an empty man” who will never be able to fill the hole inside.

The only way we can be truly fulfilled is to humbly repent and place our faith in Jesus Christ who died on the cross and rose from the dead to pay the penalty for our sins and who is now seated at God’s right hand to reign forever as king.

Kate is identified as an extremely insecure, self conscious woman, who thinks she needs “brain camp” to engage in conversation with her husband regarding business matters. While at first she struggles to believe Mark would have an affair, she determines it must be her fault—that she’s not enough (James 4:1-2).

When Amber (the second mistress) is introduced, the audience is subjected to a full two minutes of slow motion footage of her bouncing breasts and backside in a string bikini.

A theme throughout the movie seems to be excessive consumption of alcohol can momentarily solve any problems. Many mornings begin with hangovers and evenings are riddled with immoral decisions at least partly fueled by intoxication (Romans 13:13). While in a bar, Kate vomits in her purse. As Carly tries to place her in a taxi, she throws her arms around her neck, wraps her legs around her waist, kissing her passionately. Several club scenes show scantily clad women dancing seductively.

The Bible lists sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry, jealousy, fits of anger, envy and drunkenness as some of the things that will prevent us from inheriting the kingdom of God without being justified by the Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 5:19-21).

There is offensive language throughout. The F-word is mouthed twice with accompanying gestures, sh** 32 times, bullsh** (8), da** (3), a** and a**hole (7), various derogatory terms for women 8 times, slang genital references 7 times, SOB once, Jesus’ name in vain (3) and OMG (12).

Positive elements: Kate’s brother Phil, responds honorably when faced with an opportunity to take advantage of amorous, naked, drunken Carly. Amber shows remorse and appears sincere in her apology to Kate for sleeping with Mark. Kate recognizes forgiveness is important, but for the wrong reason.

We forgive, not “to move forward” as Kate states, but because we are commanded by God to do so in response to the grace we have been given through Christ.

From beginning to end, this film celebrates the things that grieve the Spirit of God. Even the soundtrack is offensive. I am heartbroken that the PG-13 rating may prompt increased viewership among young teens.

Violence: Moderate / Profanity: Heavy / Sex/Nudity: Heavy

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.