Peter Debruge

The first review found in The Variety, “Review: ‘The Woman Who Wasn’t There’” written by Peter Debruge, goes to explain the tale told in the documentary and the director’s portrait choice of the tale to create contrast from the book and TV series on the same story. The article says the film’s purpose was not to question why her colleagues did not question her story but rather what kind of person desires to put this type of tragedy upon themselves by choice.

The film switches between emotional recovery of survivors as well as fellow colleagues recovery from the emotional pain bestowed upon them with the discovery that someone they trusted deceived them, and the seriousness of an individual’s megalomania. The reviewer backs up this idea with evidence from the documentary and specific scenes that portray this idea. By referencing the interviews filmed of the additional members in the network and their emotional responses to finding out the truth. After watching the film, I would agree with Debruge that the purpose of the documentary was as stated and the documentary explores many different aspects of how Head lied, caused emotional pain and ultimately her exposure through it all.