Cast: Margaret Carmody, Catherine Carton, Margaret Carton, Sally Casey, Patricia Connolly, Philomena Delaney, Miriam Fitt, Ellen Gowan, Ena Howell, Bernie Kennedy, Ann McStay
Genre: Documentary
Director: Ciaran Cassidy
In Irish Cinemas: 22nd November 2024
HOUSEWIFE OF THE YEAR is a captivating exploration of Ireland’s treatment of women, told through the lens of a surreal and unforgettable live television competition Hosted by late Gay Byrne. This one-of-a-kind show, which had to be seen to be believed, saw a generation of Irish women compete in front of a live audience for the coveted title of “Housewife of the Year.”
Through the voices of former contestants, the film delves into their firsthand experiences of a profoundly restrictive society: grappling with the realities of marriage bars, the absence of contraception, the oppressive Magdalen laundries, and the financial and personal vulnerability that came with being a woman in mid-20th century Ireland. They recount the monotony, shame, and isolation many endured and the strange and bittersweet experience of participating in the competition.
An extensive discharge of women’s participation in competitive events during those decades overlooks the otherwise unrecorded and often overlooked lives of Irish women at the time. Following the foundation of the Irish Free State, the social and political landscape for women narrowed significantly due to a series of restrictive laws. Chief among these was the implementation of the “marriage bar,” which effectively excluded married women from public service and professional roles, severely limiting their presence in the public domain. Furthermore, Article 41.2 of the Irish Constitution idealised women’s roles within the domestic sphere, defining their primary function as caretakers of the home and family. However, this narrow vision of womanhood did not reflect the lived realities of many Irish women. Their day-to-day experiences often diverged sharply from this constructed ideal of femininity, revealing a more complex and multifaceted existence that defied official narratives.
Cassidy incorporates grainy, shaky footage to complement the narratives of some of the winners, creating a sense of authenticity as they recount their stories. However, this raw aesthetic occasionally contrasts with overly polished scenes, such as when the audience is seamlessly transported into a meticulously crafted, nostalgically perfect recreation of a room from that era. While striking, this juxtaposition can feel at odds with the more accurate moments.
The film also highlights the era’s disregard for women’s autonomy and personal boundaries. This is particularly evident in an unsettling moment where Gay Byrne, without hesitation or consent, presses his ear against the stomach of a pregnant woman. The act, presented without apparent self-awareness, exemplifies the casual, normalised disrespect and lack of boundaries women faced at the time.
Balancing poignancy with humour, HOUSEWIFE OF THE YEAR is an uplifting and thought-provoking tale of resilience. It celebrates a generation of women who, despite the odds, helped to spark profound cultural and social change in Ireland, leaving a legacy of progress that continues to inspire.
Overall: 7.5/10
Movie Reviewer
