Watch The 24 Hour Woman

The 24 Hour Woman is a dramatic comedy from 1999 that focuses on issues faced by modern women, such as balancing career and family, dealing with sexism in the workplace, and the pressure to have it all. The film stars Rosie Perez as Grace Santos, a successful TV producer who has just given birth to her first child. Grace soon faces the daunting task of balancing her career with motherhood, and struggles to find a way to maintain both aspects of her life without sacrificing one for the other.

As Grace struggles to keep up with the demands of her job and her baby, she begins to feel the pressure of the expectations placed on her by society. She is constantly told by her boss, Joan Marshall (played by Patti LuPone), that she needs to work around the clock in order to stay ahead of the competition, while at the same time feeling guilty for spending time away from her child. This dilemma is made even more difficult by the fact that Grace's husband, Eddie (played by Diego Serrano), is unsupportive and dismissive of her struggles.

To add to her stress, Grace is constantly belittled and disrespected by her male colleagues on the show, who treat her as though she is only there for the sake of diversity. Marianne Jean-Baptiste plays Nora, a fellow producer who is also struggling with balancing her career and motherhood. Nora provides a sympathetic ear for Grace, as she too is struggling to maintain her career while dealing with the guilt of being away from her child.

The 24 Hour Woman explores the challenges faced by working mothers, particularly in the TV industry, where long hours and high-pressure deadlines are the norm. The film is a commentary on the expectations placed on women to be able to juggle it all, and the price they pay for trying to do so. It also highlights the sexism and double standards faced by women in the workplace, particularly those in positions of power.

Despite its somber themes, The 24 Hour Woman is also a funny and uplifting film, thanks in large part to Rosie Perez's performance. Perez brings a sense of energy and humor to her role as Grace, making her a relatable and engaging protagonist. Her chemistry with Marianne Jean-Baptiste's Nora, who provides a sharp contrast with her more reserved and uptight demeanor, is one of the highlights of the film.

Overall, The 24 Hour Woman is a must-see film for anyone who has struggled with balancing work and family, or who has faced the double standards and sexism that are all too prevalent in the modern workplace. It is a heartfelt and honest exploration of the challenges faced by women, and a tribute to the strength and resilience required to overcome them.

The 24 Hour Woman is a 1999 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.