Marsha on the Move: Review of Netflix’s “Rita”

Rita (Netflix) 

Another great Danish show on Netflix. The main character Rita is a deliciously “so-bad,” but really so-good, woman of conviction. She has a passion for standing up for children who need champions for justice – against other children, teachers, the principal, mayors and even their own parents. In becoming this champion, she breaks many rules, often jeopardizing her own standing, and even her own livelihood. However, her sense of integrity and justice surpass all obstacles. Rita is fierce, or portrays that on the surface, but others challenge her hard exterior: a best friend who almost loses her own family to protect her, a lover who struggles with his own life trajectory, and the children who depend on her.  Rita’s motherhood is based on acceptance and is sometimes unconventional; she holds her children close and then knows when to let them go.  Rita struggles with her own perceived inadequacies, and we struggle with her as she navigates the task of starting a new school, moving on from her home, losing a dear friend and absorbing the blame, and having many sexual liaisons that also result in changing lives.  Rita is unyielding in her convictions and they are rooted in good, even if she struggles with how they are implemented. Like many women I know, Rita questions herself – but she never questions her steadfast commitment to the children in her charge, especially those most vulnerable.  I know many Ritas in my life. I wish for those women that they triumph with this woman as I have.

Dr. Marsha Gordon is President/CEO of The Business Council of Westchester. When she is not advocating for business, building the economy or creating job opportunities, you can find her at the movie theatre enjoying many different film genres.  Most of the time, her husband Eli is with her… except if it is football season or if it is a very slow, sappy movie.