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The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover

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87% Tomatometer 53 Reviews 88% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
When churlish mobster Albert Spica (Michael Gambon) acquires an upscale French restaurant in London, he dines there nightly, effectively scaring off the clientele with his bad manners. His wife, Georgina (Helen Mirren), is especially disgusted by him, and soon begins an affair with another restaurant guest, Michael (Alan Howard). Despite their efforts to keep it a secret, however, Spica finds out about their trysts, and he plans to exact a terrible revenge.
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The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover

The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover

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Critics Consensus

This romantic crime drama may not be to everyone's taste, but The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover is an audacious, powerful film.

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Critics Reviews

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Andrew Sarris Observer Aug 12, 2022
A highly controversial and distinctly original work of cinematic art fashioned by writer-director Greenaway. Go to Full Review Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune Apr 21, 2020
3/4
A bold, strident, purposefully aggressive film. Go to Full Review Nigel Andrews Financial Times Apr 21, 2020
Greenaway's new film is -- let us waste no time -- a masterpiece. Go to Full Review Ray Pride Newcity Aug 17, 2026
8/10
An eyeful and a bellyful even before the cannibalism kicks in. Go to Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com Sep 18, 2025
5.5
…Peter Greenaway’s film was seen as a metaphor of Thatcher’s Britain, of indolent immorality in the open, but we’ve got plenty more pressing dystopias to choose from in 2025, and Greenaway’s film has proved to be one for the ages…. Go to Full Review Julian Singleton Cinapse Jul 12, 2025
A sumptuous blend of style, sustenance, and sensuality. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Nicholas F Dec 9, 2023 Based on play… excellent set design, performances. Heavy with symbolism. Thought provoking and at times shocking. Proper cinematic transition from state to screen. See more Robert P @Superbad Sep 23, 2026 This Movie is a 4.5 star Movie! See more LayAban T @LayaAban Aug 3, 2026 Breath-taking, disturbing, magnificent! See more Anthony C. @cafeoanthony Jun 16, 2026 Could rival and destroy any horror movie made today, yet even more disturbing somehow. And so incredibly beautiful. See more Chris L @Christoph2000 Mar 26, 2026 Think of how much dialogue Michael Gambon had to learn and the degree to which he made you abhor his sick character - what an actor the man was. I was horrified and disgusted, which was the intent all along: therefore, this film is a success. Very particular, and much like an oil painting churning its way to life, this movie, the most knowingly messed up, diabolical and stuffed with shock factor I've watched since Don't Breathe, is a feast of passion, revenge and black comedy (the latter only at the end; the rest of the time it's like being trapped in Satan's lair). Not for watching with a crowd in my humble opinion, but if you happen to have a sufficiently strong stomach it might carry some rewards for you - I've come a long way, as I managed to eat my own dinner immediately after that final reveal. The simple yet sorrowful score, Georgina's theme it should be called, deserves an honourable mention. Part of a select category of films where the heavy polarisation is part of the draw. See more Fernando D @Maqroll Aug 26, 2025 What amazing movie. Almost a monologue where you are all time connected. See more Read all reviews
The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover

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Cast & Crew

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Peter Greenaway

Director

Richard Bohringer

Richard Borst

Michael Gambon

Albert Spica

Helen Mirren

Georgina Spica

Alan Howard

Michael

Tim Roth

Mitchel

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The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover

The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover (1989) The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover (1989) The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover (1989) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis When churlish mobster Albert Spica (Michael Gambon) acquires an upscale French restaurant in London, he dines there nightly, effectively scaring off the clientele with his bad manners. His wife, Georgina (Helen Mirren), is especially disgusted by him, and soon begins an affair with another restaurant guest, Michael (Alan Howard). Despite their efforts to keep it a secret, however, Spica finds out about their trysts, and he plans to exact a terrible revenge.
Director
Peter Greenaway
Producer
Kees Kasander
Distributor
Miramax Films
Production Co
Miramax
Rating
R
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 6, 1990, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 6, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$7.0M
Runtime
2h 0m
Sound Mix
Surround
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