She-Devil (1989) is a delightfully subversive comedy that turns the scorned-wife trope into a hilarious tale of empowerment and revenge. Directed by Susan Seidelman, the film follows Ruth Patchett (Roseanne Barr), an unassuming, plus-sized housewife whose world shatters when her accountant husband, Bob (Ed Begley Jr.), leaves her for the glamorous, wealthy romance novelist Mary Fisher (Meryl Streep). Instead of crumbling, Ruth meticulously and resourcefully plots to dismantle every aspect of Bob's perfect new life, targeting his career, finances, and relationship in increasingly inventive ways.

The film's strength lies in its sharp contrast between its leads. Roseanne Barr brings a grounded, determined ferocity to Ruth, making her transformation from victim to architect of chaos both believable and satisfying. Meryl Streep, in a wonderfully comedic turn, is perfectly vapid and vulnerable as the bubble-wrapped Mary Fisher. Their dynamic drives the film's humor and social commentary on class, beauty standards, and female agency.

While the execution is broadly comedic, She-Devil offers a surprisingly potent message about self-worth and resilience. It's a revenge fantasy played for laughs, but with a heart. Viewers should watch it for the stellar performances, especially Streep's against-type role, the clever premise, and its status as a cult classic from the late '80s that celebrates the underdog getting her due in the most entertaining way possible.