So writes Wendell Goddard about his parents, in this surprising little gem of a movie.The story revolves around three characters:Emma Riley (Holly Hunter), a charming, divorced woman who's been hired as a live-in housekeeper.Richard Goddard (Michael Moriarty), the old fashioned college professor who hired her.And his aforementioned troubled son Wendell (Kiefer Southerland), an aspiring poet who spends his days locked in his room.The death of Richard's wife Marion (Elaine Pidgen) has caused a rift between the two men.Wendell writes scathing, though not inarticulate, poetry about his unhappy home life.Richard, meanwhile, shakes his head at his son's instability.The arrival of Emma in their lives only makes matters worse as they're both attracted to the lovely woman (and she to them).Though just a little movie, the acting and direction are impressive, making this sleeper one of the best stories about a love triangle that I've ever seen. And there haven't been very many.Also adding to the story is Wendell's 24 hour wife Monica (Carrie Preston), who gives it unexpected levity.The ending really makes the movie, coming to a conclusion in a way that is satisfactory as well as very positive.This is one of my favorites.I'm really impressed that Kiefer Southerland was the director.Originally, Review #125Posted On: July 8, 2011

I have to admit I checked out this movie solely because it was filmed locally and was curious how it turned out - what a pleasant surprise! I would describe this quiet, somewhat slow moving film as a bittersweet, and moving testament to the bonds of family. It is also eerily reminiscent of Redford's "Ordinary People" starring Keifer's dad, Donald Sutherland. The performances were A+. The interplay between father and son were especially moving and I couldn't help thinking( hypothetically of course)of Keifer's own personal issues with his own estranged father(especially since Keifer also directed this, as well as starred in it). Ideally this movie would of, I believe, have had a bigger audience as a movie of the week or say a Hallmark presentation. Too bad, as "Woman Wanted" is a likable film deserving of more recognition, or even possibly an Emmy nomination if it was. But be warned, this movie is quite slow...just stick with it, it'll be worth it.

"Woman Wanted" tells of a domestic (Hunter) who is accepted for employment in a household consisting of a father (Moriarty) and son (Sutherland) who have deep, long held issues. With her infectious smile and delicately assertive presence, Hunter increases the wattage in the household lights and the men's hearts. Critically slammed, this character study film will likely find its narrow audience among those who can identify with the principles..the brittle, temperamental poet and the professorial elder intellectual. Hunter is always good but, IMHO, Moriarty stole this show.

It is a complete mystery why this gem of a movie has apparently failed to find a theatrical release and been shown first on cable TV. " Woman Wanted " has a strong cast and demonstrates again that Holly Hunter is one of the most gifted actresses around today. Coming on top of her wonderful performance in " Living Out Loud " and a great turn on stage in the off-broadway play " Impossible Marriage " it is a delight in this movie to see her combining wistful emotion with a fierce self-confidence that really makes you care what happens to the enigmatic character of Emma Riley. Emma is the " Woman Wanted " hired as a housekeeper by the Goddard father and son strongly played by Michael Moriarty and Kiefer Sutherland (who also directs the movie) and the way Hunter plays the role evokes memories of characters from earlier movies such as Miss Firecracker, Always and Once Around. She somehow manages to look a dead ringer for Carnelle in Miss Firecracker, even though that movie is over 10 years old, and totally different from the Judith the 40 something New Yorker in Living Out Loud. Perhaps this is the true meaure of a great actor." Woman Wanted " comes over a shade or two darker than the excellent book by Joanna McClelland Glass (who also wrote the screenplay) which is a shame as the movie could have done with some of the book's lighter moments to offset a sombre mood . But take nothing away from the main performers who have a good chemistry - especially Sutherland and Hunter - and the line from Sutherland about the emergency room being a good substitute for family is a classic.Above all, though, I shall remember " Woman Wanted " for the emotional power of Hunter's performance as Emma Riley and to borrow Spielberg's words she is a true " architect of character. "