Scarlett Johansson's Early Period Comedy 'A Good Woman' Available for Free Streaming
A forgotten cinematic gem featuring one of Hollywood's most iconic actresses in an early role is currently available to stream completely free of charge. The period romantic comedy A Good Woman, starring Scarlett Johansson, offers fans a chance to explore her filmography without spending a penny.
Johansson's Rise to Stardom and Early Career Highlights
The A-list actress is best known for her iconic role as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Oscar-nominated performances in films like Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit. Most recently, she led the blockbuster Jurassic World Rebirth alongside Jonathan Bailey and will reunite with Adam Driver in the upcoming crime drama Paper Tiger later this year.
After landing various roles throughout the 1990s, Johansson gained international recognition in the early 2000s with hits such as Ghost World, Eight Legged Freaks, and Lost in Translation. Her performance in A Good Woman from 2004 represents one of her earliest significant film roles during this pivotal career period.
The Plot and Cast of This Oscar Wilde Adaptation
A Good Woman is based on the beloved Oscar Wilde play Lady Windermere's Fan. Johansson stars as Meg Windermere in this classic tale of deceit and revenge that centers around femme fatale Mrs. Erlynne, played by Helen Hunt. The story follows Mrs. Erlynne as she dramatically flees from her life in New York's high society to Amalfi, Italy, where she becomes entangled with Meg's husband, aristocrat Robert Windermere, portrayed by Mark Umbers.
The film features a talented ensemble cast bringing Wilde's enduring comedy to life with a mix of scandal, romance, and witty dialogue that has earned it a passionate following despite mixed initial reviews.
Where to Watch This Free Streaming Gem
The film is currently available on the streaming service Pluto TV, where viewers can access a vast array of films and television shows completely free of charge. Pluto TV operates as a free, ad-supported streaming platform that offers both live channels and on-demand content across various genres.
For those with Virgin TV boxes, Pluto TV is accessible through the Virgin 360 device, which also provides access to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. The device supports smart features, voice control, and 4K content with HD and HDR displays, making it a comprehensive entertainment solution.
Audience Reception and Critical Praise
While A Good Woman didn't receive universal critical acclaim upon its initial release, it has developed a considerable contingent of passionate fans who insist the adaptation of Wilde's comedy is well worth watching. Audience reviews highlight several positive aspects of the film:
- Engaging Storytelling: One five-star Letterboxd review noted: "Wonderfully written. So many lovely sounding lines. Even if the twist is a bit easy to guess, there's still a love triangle to figure out, so you stay well engaged."
- Strong Performances: The same review praised the cast: "Helen Hunt will always remain one of the most enchanting voices in cinema, and Scarlett Johansson is one of the most beautiful faces ever to grace the silver screen."
- Emotional Impact: Another viewer exclaimed: "This was so good what the hell. It literally had me so invested I was screaming, crying, giggling and kicking my feet."
On Rotten Tomatoes, additional praise emerged with one viewer writing: "I actually really liked this movie. It was clean, other than a little cleavage and amoral jokes, though not crass jokes. The acting was superb from several of the cast, and I was happy to see Mrs. Erlynne get a happy ending."
Why This Film Deserves Your Attention
For viewers seeking lighthearted entertainment with a healthy dose of scandal and period charm, A Good Woman represents an excellent free streaming option. The film provides:
- A chance to see Scarlett Johansson in one of her earliest significant roles
- An adaptation of a classic Oscar Wilde play with witty dialogue
- Strong performances from an accomplished cast including Helen Hunt
- Beautiful Italian coastal scenery as the backdrop for the drama
- Completely free access through Pluto TV's streaming platform
The combination of Johansson's early career performance, Wilde's enduring comedic writing, and the film's availability at no cost makes this a compelling viewing opportunity for both Johansson fans and period drama enthusiasts alike.
