The Stepford Wives - Still holds up after all this time

Okay, let’s just get the ‘remake’ starring Nicole Kidman and that other guy out of the way – it’s rubbish. Ignore it. Yes, the seventies Stepford Wives may be just a little bit dated (play ‘spot the flared trousers etc), but, if you’re serious about horror, then there’s no comparison.

If you don’t know... a family move to the quiet, secluded little American town of Stepford where the man of the family joins the (secretive) ‘Men’s Association,’ leaving the woman of the family to make friends with some of the most submissive and prim women ever. Coincidence, or something darker afoot?

It’s something darker, but then as it’s a horror film, you probably could guess that anyway.

On the off chance you haven’t seen ‘The Stepford Wives’ I won’t say too much about the plot. You’ll only get the one chance to see it without knowing what happens, so I won’t spoil it for you. Just know that it is a masterpiece of ‘understated’ horror. It doesn’t need ‘torture p0rn’ or anything gruesome and bl00dy to scare. It’s just scary in a whole different way.

If I had to pick one gripe with the film, I’d say the editing is a bit choppy. Some scenes seen to cut or fade into another a bit randomly. Still, it doesn’t take away from the film too much.

Also, while you ignore Nicole Kidman’s remake, it’s probably best to ignore all the ‘Stepford sequels’ – none of them are up to the original.

8/10 The Force is definitely strong with this one