Filmmakers strive to authentically portray life and the intricacies of human behavior through their complex characters and thought-provoking narratives. And certain films have excelled in depicting these complexities, including the portrayal of abusive tendencies among individuals. These movies highlight the disturbing motives behind such abusive behavior by delving into the darker aspects of human nature. While it is more common for movies to depict men as aggressors, it is crucial to recognize that women can also be abusive. Although physical abuse is often associated with male perpetrators, characters like Annie Wikes, Nurse Ratched, and Alex unequivocally demonstrate that women can also exhibit abusive traits.
These women, despite having stories or reasons that may sometimes evoke empathy, undeniably exhibit a menacing side of femininity. They challenge the notion of women constantly being portrayed as victims and instead become the embodiment of terror. Characters like Anne Wikes, Lola, and Amy Dunne demonstrate that women can be just as lethal as their male counterparts, if not more so. The exceptional performances of the actresses portraying these characters allow us to witness the grave consequences of unrestrained power, manipulation, and the tragic aftermath of destructive relationships. Embarking on this thought-provoking journey, we will highlight different films that show the darker aspects of female characters.
1. Annie Wikes in Misery (1990)
No list of abusive women in films would be comprehensive without featuring one of the most dreaded female villains in the horror genre. In the movie “Misery” Kathy Bates delivers a chilling performance as Annie Wilkes, a profoundly disturbed and obsessive fan who saves author Paul after a car accident and holds him captive in her secluded residence. Annie displays a variety of abusive behaviors towards Paul, emphasizing the destructive consequences of uncontrolled obsession and possessiveness. True to its title, Paul endures a succession of miseries inflicted upon him by this terrifying antagonist.
Annie Wilkes stands as a chilling embodiment of the perils that can stem from unhealthy obsessions, highlighting the precarious boundary between fandom and obsession. Kathy Bates’s portrayal of this shocking and dark character earned her an Oscar. Even more than three decades later, it remains challenging not to feel a shiver down the spine as Annie subjects Paul to a relentless cycle of abuse. Without a doubt, Bates showcases her fearlessness in portraying a truly terrifying character. With its exceptional performances and a well-crafted screenplay, “Misery” has garnered praise as an outstanding adaptation of Stephen King’s novel.
2. Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
Based on Ken Kesey’s 1962 novel, this film adaptation introduces Randy Murphy (Jack Nicholson), a defiant criminal who pretends to be mentally ill in order to serve his sentence in a comparatively lenient environment. However, he quickly discovers that his expectations clash with the rigid and oppressive regime enforced by Nurse Ratched. While the movie falls into the comedy-drama genre, it poses pertinent questions about healthcare institutions and their approach to handling mental illness. Even after more than four decades since its release, this film remains remarkably relevant in contemporary society, depicting the challenges patients face within such systems.
Louis Fletcher’s portrayal of Nurse Ratched embodies a stark departure from the compassion and empathy typically associated with healthcare professionals. She symbolizes institutional abuse and the damaging consequences of unchecked power within the healthcare system. Unfortunately, some viewers mistakenly perceive her malevolence as merely fulfilling her job responsibilities. While her dark side may be subtle, her actions contribute to an oppressive atmosphere that does little or no good to the well-being of the patients under her supervision.
3. Alex in Fatal Attraction (1987)
Directed by Adrian Lyne, this psychological thriller delves into the consequences of an extramarital affair and explores the themes of obsession, betrayal, and the destructive power of desire. Glen Close plays Alex, a successful editor who becomes involved in an extramarital affair with a married Dan Gallagher. When Gallagher decides to end this illicit affair, Alex refuses to accept its conclusion and becomes consumed by her fixation on him, taking extreme measures to maintain control over his life.
Throughout the film, Alex’s behavior progressively escalates into an alarming state of obsession, possessiveness, and danger. Alex represents the dark side of femininity, showcasing the lengths she will go to fulfill her desires. She employs various forms of abuse, including emotional manipulation, stalking, and acts of violence. The convincing performances by the actors and the thought-provoking storyline made “Fatal Attraction” one of the most talked-about films upon its release. Glen Close masterfully taps into her ability to unleash her dark side, leaving audiences shaken by her portrayal of an obsessive woman determined to keep her married lover at all costs.
4. Amy in Gone Girl (2014)
Directed by David Fincher and based on the novel by Gillian Flynn, Gone Girl offers a dark and thought-provoking exploration of the themes of manipulations and the destructive effect of secrets, deceit, and lies in marriage. It begins with the disappearance of Amy Dunne and her husband’s desperation to find her, fuelled by media scrutiny. However, nothing is as it seems. Through flashbacks and diary entries, this masterful thriller delves into Amy and Nick’s tumultuous relationship, revealing how both Amy and Nick are far from the ideal spouses they initially appeared to be.
Amy Dunne is initially portrayed as a victim. However, as the story unfolds, it is revealed that Amy meticulously planned her disappearance as an act of revenge against Nick. She manipulates the situation, orchestrates a false narrative, and uses psychological tactics to control and punish Nick for his perceived transgressions. Despite how far Amy went, Nick Dunne is equally not free of blame. However, while some may sympathize with or comprehend the extent of Amy’s actions, there is no denying the embodiment of female villainy within her character. Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck deliver exceptional performances, captivating viewers throughout the film’s 2.5-hour runtime as they navigate a world teeming with deceit and moral decay, providing a satirical critique of modern capitalist society.
5. Joan Crawford in Mommy Dearest (1981)
Mommy Dearest serves as a cautionary tale about the devastating impact of parental abuse as it follows the tumultuous relationship between Joan Crawford and Christina. Based on Christina Crawford’s memoir of the same name, the story unravels the harrowing experiences she faced while growing up under the care of her adoptive mother. Joan Crawford’s character is depicted as emotionally and physically abusive, exhibiting erratic and controlling behavior towards Christina. Faye Dunaway delivers a captivating performance as Joan Crawford, delivering an unforgettable portrayal of one of cinema’s most chilling and terrifying mothers. Despite the complexities of Joan Crawford’s life and her challenges in a male-dominated industry, it does not excuse the cruelty she inflicted upon her adoptive daughter.
6. Evelyn in Play Misty for Me (1971)
“Play Misty For Me” showcases Clint Eastwood’s directorial prowess and is a gripping and cautionary tale about the dangers of becoming entangled in an obsessive relationship. Eastwood plays the role of Dave Garver, a popular radio DJ in this psychological thriller. The story revolves around Dave’s encounter with an infatuated fan named Evelyn. Following a night together, Dave soon realizes Evelyn has developed an unhealthy and dangerous obsession with him. As he attempts to distance himself from her, Evelyn’s mental state deteriorates, leading her to threaten Dave and those close to him. The movie explores Evelyn’s unwavering pursuit and the haunting, sinister aftermath, blurring the boundaries between admiration and perilous fixation. It illuminates the ugly depths that unreciprocated love can descend into. Although Alex may exemplify the peak of feminine obsession, Evelyn surpasses even that pinnacle. She is willing to go to any lengths to gain Dave’s attention, displaying a complete lack of hesitation when it comes to eliminating anyone who stands in her way.
7. Akiko in Mother (2020)
“Mother” is a poignant tale that sheds light on the ugly side of society, exploring the detrimental effects of abusive relationships and underscoring the profound bond between a mother and child. Loosely based on a true story, Tatsushi Omori’s Mother presents one of the cruelest mothers ever depicted on the silver screen. It tells the disturbing tale of Suhei, a young boy trapped in a difficult life with his abusive single mother, Akiko. Akiko engages in relationships with questionable men and forces Suhei to beg for money from his grandparents while also burdening him with the responsibility of caring for his younger sister. Initially, Akiko appears to be a good mother. Still, as the story progresses, her true nature is revealed, resembling the infamous character of Joan Crawford in “Mommy Dearest,” if not worse. She exhibits cruelty, violence, irresponsibility, laziness, and neglect towards her child, epitomizing everything a mother shouldn’t be. Despite Akiko’s flaws, she captivates audiences with her vileness, leaving Suhei trapped in a cycle of abuse and a life of hopelessness as he does not know any other reality. Masami Nagasawa’s exceptional portrayal of Akiko solidifies her status as one of the most convincing portrayals of abusive women ever shown on screen.
8. Olivia in Flowers in the Attic (2014)
In Flowers in the Attic, four siblings, Cathy, Christopher, Carrie, and Cory Dollanganger, are forced to move into their wealthy grandparents’ mansion after the sudden death of their father. However, their arrival is met with hostility from the grandmother, Olivia, who disapproves of her daughter Corrine’s marriage and her children. Throughout the story, the children endure unimaginable hardships, shedding light on sensitive and disturbing themes about child abuse in a dysfunctional family. With Olivia’s religious nature and deep resentment towards her daughter’s marriage, she manifests her displeasure by neglecting the children and subjecting them to constant abuse. While Olivia takes on the role of the abusive presence in the movie, Corrine cannot be absolved of her share of blame. Her abandonment of the children to endure a series of abuses at the hands of their grandmother turns her into one of the most reprehensible on-screen mothers.
9. Ingrid in White Oleander (2002)
“White Oleander” is a character-driven drama based on the novel by Janet Fitch. The story follows Astrid Magnussen, a young girl, as she navigates a turbulent journey through the foster care system in Los Angeles after her mother, Ingrid, is imprisoned for murder. The film presents contrasting portrayals of women, evoking a range of emotions from the viewers. Astrid’s story depicts her enduring a series of abusive experiences, drawing empathy as she navigates difficult circumstances. In contrast, her mother, Ingrid, is portrayed as a charismatic yet repugnant character, leaving viewers with ambivalent feelings. Astrid faces abuse in her foster homes and must contend with her mother’s toxic and controlling influence. Astrid and Ingrid’s unconventional yet compelling mother-daughter relationship forms a fascinating and central narrative aspect. While there are other abusive characters in the film, it is undeniable that Ingrid stands out as the most prominent and disturbing portrayal of an abusive woman and mother.
10. Lola in The Loved Ones (2009)
This Australian horror film, written and directed by Sean Byrne, revolves around a troubled teenager named Lola Stone and the horrifying events that unfold after she is rejected by the boy she asks to a school dance, Brent Mitchell. Following the rejection, Lola and her equally disturbed father kidnap Brent and bring him to their isolated home, where they subject him to extreme torture. Lola inflicts unimaginable suffering upon Brent within the confines of their twisted world, showcasing her abusive nature through manipulation, physical harm, and psychological torment. Robin McLeavy delivers a haunting performance, portraying Lola as one of the most chillingly vicious women ever depicted in cinema. The film explores the depths some individuals will sink to satisfy their twisted desires, unsettling viewers.
