The theme of infidelity and the role of the mistress has been a staple in cinema for decades, offering a rich tapestry of emotions, moral dilemmas, and dramatic twists. This collection of films delves into the lives of women who find themselves in the shadow of another's marriage, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the quest for personal fulfillment. Whether you're intrigued by the psychological intricacies or the dramatic flair, these films provide a nuanced look at the often misunderstood figure of the mistress.

Fatal Attraction (1987)
Description: A married man's one-night stand turns into a nightmare when his mistress becomes dangerously obsessed, leading to a psychological thriller about the consequences of infidelity.
Fact: The film's ending was changed after test audiences reacted negatively to the original, more ambiguous conclusion.


Indecent Proposal (1993)
Description: A couple faces a moral dilemma when a billionaire offers them a million dollars for one night with the wife, exploring themes of love, money, and the boundaries of fidelity.
Fact: The film was a major box office hit, sparking debates about the ethics of the proposal.


The Bridges of Madison County (1995)
Description: A story of a brief but passionate affair between a National Geographic photographer and a lonely Italian-American housewife, exploring the depth of love and the sacrifices it demands.
Fact: Clint Eastwood, who directed and starred in the film, initially considered turning down the role due to its emotional intensity.


The English Patient (1996)
Description: This epic tale involves a love triangle where a nurse tends to a severely burned man who recounts his past affair with a married woman during WWII, highlighting the pain and beauty of forbidden love.
Fact: The film won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Anthony Minghella.


Unfaithful (2002)
Description: This film explores the dangerous liaison between a married woman, Connie, and her lover, Paul, leading to a cascade of events that threaten to unravel her life. It's a compelling study of infidelity and its consequences.
Fact: The film was inspired by the French movie "La Femme Infidèle." Diane Lane received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role.


The Mistress of Spices (2005)
Description: A magical tale where a spice mistress, bound by ancient rules, finds herself falling in love, challenging her destiny and the very essence of her existence.
Fact: The film is based on the novel by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and features Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the lead role.


The Other Woman (2014)
Description: Three women, discovering they are all romantically involved with the same man, form an unlikely bond to seek revenge. This film offers a comedic take on the mistress trope, focusing on female empowerment.
Fact: The film was a box office success, grossing over $196 million worldwide against a $40 million budget.


The Graduate (1967)
Description: A young man, Benjamin Braddock, graduates from college and enters into an affair with an older woman, Mrs. Robinson, which complicates his life when he falls for her daughter.
Fact: The film features the iconic song "Mrs. Robinson" by Simon & Garfunkel. Dustin Hoffman was not the first choice for the role of Benjamin.


Last Tango in Paris (1972)
Description: An American widower in Paris begins an anonymous sexual relationship with a young French woman, exploring themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human connection.
Fact: The film was highly controversial due to its explicit content, leading to bans and censorship in several countries.


Damage (1992)
Description: A British politician's life spirals out of control when he becomes obsessively involved with his son's fiancée, leading to a destructive affair. The film captures the raw intensity of forbidden love.
Fact: The film was adapted from Josephine Hart's novel of the same name. It was controversial for its explicit content and portrayal of infidelity.
