The Third Wife

This film transports us to 19th century rural Vietnam. Fourteen-year-old May is forced to marry a wealthy landowner and becomes his third wife. She soon realized that the only way to improve her status within the patriarchal family is to give birth to a male son, an heir. This option materializes when she becomes pregnant, however, May’s desire for her husband’s second wife jeopardizes her plan. Vietnamese director Ash Mayfair’s debut film heralds a fascinating new voice. This is a poetic film that weaves together a touching screenplay and exceptional aesthetic qualities. Since its debut at Toronto and San Sebastian film festivals, The Third Wife has won multiple prizes and critical acclaim.