Review: Spinster

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Spinster is the archaic term given to an unmarried woman after a certain age who’s main occupation would be spinning. Funny enough, many single women have picked up fiber arts but that is neither here nor there. This movie is relatable to any woman over the age of 25 that is not married and do not care to be. So, very relatable.

This dusty term has now been demoted to a term that described a sad, depressing, lonely woman with assumptions being made of her attractiveness, sexuality, personality, and other characteristics deemed important to be in a relationship or married. For being single is not seen as a choice but an unwanted consequence. Which is so far from the truth and honestly not anyone’s business but the woman.

In Spinster, Chelsea Peretti (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) brings the spinster issue to the screen as Gaby. Right on her 39th birthday, she is dumped from her three month relationship. She attempts to seek comfort and guidance but everyone around her is dealing with their own lives or is ready to urge her into a relationship. It is not a marriage that she desperately seeks, but she doesn’t want to be lonely. So begins her adventures of dating and trying to sort through with what she wants.

 

Most of us over 25 have been through what Gaby has been and wish that we could say what she says. She would rather take her time with finding the right person instead of conforming herself to fit whatever mold the other person requires.  Until then, she could have as much fun as she can trying new things, admiring men’s bodies, and just expanding her experience.

The movie presents multiple perspectives of those who wish for Gaby’s singlehood to end. There is a her sister who genuinely is there to support her but will also encourage to either lower or increase her “standards” as the situation sees fit. Then there is Gaby’s father who’s good intentions is laden heavy with outdated gender roles.  Then there are the opinions of strangers that flit around Gaby’s periphery that offer opinions that “she will miss out” and “that no one chooses to be single.”

The best part of the movie is when Gaby blurts out “WHO THE F*&K ARE YOU?” to these strangers so intent on offering her unwanted opinions and thoughts. And isn’t that the darn truth of the matter?! What high ground does anyone have to superimpose their ideas of a “happy” life equating to being in a relationship or marriage?  No one. No one does.

 

From that cathartic blurt, Gaby begins her cathartic transformation into focusing her energy on something else: happiness. She begins to cherish her adorable relationship with her niece. The adorableness factor is high when they go to a knitting store together. That knitting portion is such a great mirror to the trends of this generation. And yes, I do knit too!

Gaby also spends her energy on her new dog and business. She visually begins to loosen the tension in her body and the smiles become more frequent. Her bitterness and frustration seeps away as she walks her dog, expands her friends circle, and her new life ambitions.  By the end of the movie, we are genuinely happy to see Gaby beginning a different path in her life of her own  choosing.

 

 

Especially now, the idea that everything must follow a certain timeline must be abolished. Things can change or some things need time to change. It is through the individual that they can judge their  own rate of obtaining happiness. When it comes to women, marriage does not always equate happiness and should never be made to feel shame for being single.

There were moments of brutal honesty and direct humor. What can begin as a bitter chuckle through out may end up in as a pleased sigh. Spinster is a hopeful movie that raises that archaic term from the depths of forced stature to one of positive choice.
SPINSTER was written by Jennifer Deyell and directed by Andrea Dorfman.  The film has a running time of 90 minutes and will not be rated by the MPAA.  Vertical Entertainment will release the film on VOD and Digital platforms including iTunes, Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango Now and all major cable/satellite platforms.

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