The Stepford Wives (1975)
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The Stepford Wives Movie Review
The Stepford Wives is a 1975 science fiction horror film directed by Bryan Forbes and starring Katharine Ross. It’s a phenomenal, hugely underrated movie.
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“I’ll just die if I don’t get this recipe.
I’ll just die if I don’t get this recipe.
I’ll just die if I don’t get this recipe“
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It follows a woman who relocates with her husband to a small, quiet town where life is seemingly pleasant and nice. However, she begins to suspect that the women there who are all brainless housewives aren’t like that by accident and that the men are behind it. This is such a great premise that was so well utilized leading to one highly fascinating story.
The movie is definitely a quiet, more slow and atmospheric horror with a big build-up which is its main detractor to many, but I honestly found that choice terrific as it led to more palpable tension and a greater appreciation of its ending which is simply unforgettable and so brave in its darkness and unbearable, tragic horror.
The Stepford Wives is the movie which ‘Get Out’ literally ripped off. There isn’t a milder way to put this so I have to say it – ‘Get Out’ is The Stepford Wives with black people. And the fact that this movie is somewhat forgotten whereas that film got an Oscar just goes to show how unfair critics and the media can sometimes be toward a film. Whereas the newer film has a mediocre, bloody ending, the original has a much more fascinating, creepy, sophisticated and simply better conclusion. It’s just a better film on all fronts and obviously hugely influential.
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Paula Prentiss is good as Bobbie who’s a memorable character, but Katharine Ross is obviously the highlight as our heroine Joanna. She’s relatable, brave and capable without ever coming across as overly competent which was great. All the other women are portrayed perfectly in light of the film’s conclusion and I honestly found the twist fantastic and fitting the story amazingly. The men are portrayed as these mysterious, dangerous entities which fitted the film’s narrative so well and only further added to the suspense.
I loved the slip-up at the party as that’s the film’s most intriguing moment which hinted at the twist ending so well. The ending is of course my favorite scene as it’s beyond haunting, but I also loved all of the scenes with Bobby and Joanna who proved out to be such a power couple who share a great newfound friendship. And of course Bobby’s turn is another one of the film’s creepiest moments.
The Stepford Wives is badly paced, there is no denying that. I still loved the prolonged build-up as I said above. It added to the suspense so well. However, even I could not deny that the first half is overly slow and the third act is simply too rushed leading to an unevenly paced movie. But even though the pace issues are obvious, they still weren’t too much of a detractor for me personally and I honestly find that criticism overly harsh as the film is otherwise terrific.
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Bryan Forbes directed the film well and the cinematography is pretty good too. The film succeeds as an intriguing science fiction mystery, but also as a more sophisticated, intense horror film which never turned into senseless bloodbath or anything like that. I also found the dialogue pretty good and the attention to detail is great.
With excellent build-up, palpable tension, an amazing premise and such an unforgettable haunting ending, The Stepford Wives is simply a great film with only its pacing being obviously problematic. It’s a mysterious, very atmospheric, sophisticated horror tale which is filled with many great details and highly memorable intense sequences. It’s a tragically underappreciated movie which is so much better than its rip-off ‘Get Out’.
