| Actor | Character | Role Description | | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :-------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | Emilia | The film's lead, a bored housewife who discovers her wild sexuality in a dangerous affair. | | Coen van Vrijberghe de Coningh | Charles | Emilia's trusting husband, whose stability is threatened by her affair. | | Huub Stapel | Leon | The charming stranger who pursues Emilia, turning into a stalker when she tries to end the affair. | | Lydia van Nergena | Anna | Emilia and Charles's young daughter, whose welfare becomes a point of conflict. | | Marieke van Leeuwen | Simone | A supporting character in Emilia's circle. | | Theo de Groot | Marcel | Another supporting character, adding to the film's social fabric. | | Peter Bolhuis | Peter | A minor role filled by an actor who has appeared in several Dutch films and TV series. |
What begins as an awkward encounter quickly evolves into a deliberate game of seduction. Leon is sexually forward and confident, a stark contrast to the "reassuring" nature of her husband. Emilia, perhaps bored by the routine of her domestic life, is drawn into a "kinky love affair". The film's plot follows a familiar trajectory of an infidelity drama: the excitement of a new sexual partner, the thrill of secrecy, and the inevitable damage inflicted on her marriage and family. The affair becomes obsessive, and when Emilia attempts to end the dangerous liaison, Leon transforms from a passionate lover into a menacing stalker, with the story hinting at the potential for a sinister turn before resolving itself in a more conventional manner.
As of early 2026, the film maintains a rating, often hovering around the 5.3/10 range, reflecting its niche appeal.
In South Korea, the film was released under the title 에밀리아 부인의 연정 , which translates to "Mrs. Emilia's Passion". the indecent woman 1991 imdb
The Indecent Woman is a 1991 drama film that tells the story of a woman who is struggling to come to terms with her past and find her place in the world. The movie follows her journey as she navigates through complex relationships and tries to find redemption.
Who will like it and why
The "indecent woman" herself. She is depicted as a violinist whose life becomes untethered. | Actor | Character | Role Description |
This article explores the plot, cast, and thematic elements of this 95-minute, Dolby-sound thriller (IMDb Technical Specs) that caught the attention of viewers seeking a mixture of romance and drama. 1. Plot Overview: A Game of Seduction
The narrative masterfully balances Emilia’s two worlds. The stark contrast between the bright, sterile environments of her marital life and the dark, shadowy, sweat-drenched spaces of her secret encounters highlights the fractured nature of her psyche. 🎥 Director Ben Verbong’s Vision
In contrast, many critics and audiences found The Indecent Woman to be a disappointing affair. Film critic delivered a particularly scathing review, calling it "a quite banal tale of lust, deceit, adultery and suspicion, no better and no worse than half of the trashy soap plots on television." He criticizes the film for being too dry and academic, with characters who "discourse about desire well into the night" but whose attempts at "simulating transgressive passion are none too convincing." His conclusion is that the film is "a curious example of arthouse soap opera," suggesting it uses the trappings of art cinema (subtitles, classical music, intellectual references) to dress up a fairly mundane story. | | Lydia van Nergena | Anna |
No, the film is not based on a pre-existing novel. The screenplay was an original work with multiple writers.
Some reviewers and viewers found merit in the film's approach. An IMDb user review suggests that the film works well, keeping an "erotic atmosphere and sexual tension," mainly crediting the lead actress, José Way. The review acknowledges the "simple story of infidelity" but argues that the film's mood and performances carry it beyond its generic plot. Another review highlights the film's thematic ambition, noting that it "draws out several themes, among them the tension between the desire to loosen restraints and the fear of losing control". The film's nomination for a European Film Award also signals that it was, at the very least, a notable attempt at serious filmmaking.