Vampire movies have seen their fair share of changes and evolutions throughout the years. It seems gone are the days where we have figures like Dracula that are truly menacing and mysterious. Instead, the last few attempts filmmakers have made romanticized the character - films like Twilight and Dracula Untold have introduced new variations on the classic archetype. In the process of introducing them to new audiences, we’ve lost a bit of the bite that the genteel monster once possessed. That’s not to say that’s necessarily a bad thing; merely an observation of the evolution of the genre throughout the years.
1922 gave us one of our first onscreen performances of a vampire in the silent film, Nosferatu. While the film itself stands as one of the most important films within the genre, the character has more recently been made kid friendly to appeal to the SpongeBob crowd. You can hear us discuss his Kamp Koral appearance at our one dollar Patreon level. Even with Bela Lugosi taking over the role in the 1930s, and subsequently also making it iconic, he gave us something darker. Lugosi laid the groundwork for the cinematic foundation of what we would come to think of Dracula and other vampires being for decades to come. Christopher Lee would bring his own signature to the character a little while later.
While the boom of the 80s would offer us films like The Lost Boys, Fright Night, and Vampire’s Kiss, Gary Oldman would give us an updated and darker take on Dracula in the early 90s with Bram Stoker’s Dracula. It wasn’t really until the mid-2000s til vampires would experience a resurgence with the cultural phenomenon that was Twilight. Nothing against Twilight at all, but it was just not my cup of tea. When it comes to the time period of the 80s I personally feel like the 80s boasts some of the best examples of vampire horror that the genre has ever seen. 80s icon Barbara Crampton is getting ready to make a big splash in the world of vampire movies with Jakob’s Wife. Wife tells the story of a pastor (Larry Fessenden) and his wife (Crampton) who have to adjust to a new life when Crampton gets bitten by a vampire.
Jakob’s Wife fits this weird bridge between modern day cinema and 80s throwback. The majority of the character journeys feel very modern. Like I will address below in the mental health moment, Crampton and Fessenden’s dynamic is that of an oppressed wife and dictating husband. The first act rarely ever sees Crampton actually utter a word. She is belittled and neglected in a majority of scenes. A lot of what makes their relationship so compelling is how much the characters grow throughout the film. The writers (Kathy Charles, Mark Steensland and Travis Stevens) do an exceptional job at character growth. Wife has a strong foundation to stand on with its characters for this first act.
With such emotional arcs, Fessenden and Crampton give us impressive performances. Fessenden comes across as such a complex character with a man between two worlds, longing for an end. It is Crampton that without a doubt steals every single frame she is featured in. The film does an exceptional job at playing her as the quiet, oppressed wife extraordinarily well, though it is when she is left to her own devices within the final two acts that she proves how much of a tour de force she really is. Crampton’s performance this year is one of this year’s best performances in any genre. There is one more character who gives an electrifying performance, but for the sake of spoilers I can’t reveal who that is. Just know that by the time the character comes into the picture, you won’t be able to take your eyes off them.
As I’ve been saying, Wife packs an unexpected emotional punch. Some of that is due to the writing and some to the acting, though it’s the pacing that is as much responsible as anything else. The film’s pacing is immaculate. Wife never once feels like it's dragging. Every frame, every character decision, every joke - all feel intentional. Travis Stevens also serves as the film’s director, and throughout the entire film he proves the excellent and very clear vision that he had for this movie as one of its writers. Every frame oozes with purpose. With that purpose comes a love letter to the 80s. As I previously stated there are elements of this film that feel out of time, but that is also what helps make it refreshing.
Overall, Jakob’s Wife is a refreshing take on the vampire genre. The film is an intimate look at characters thriving on the toxicity of the American dream who grow marvelously throughout the film’s duration. The film is heartwarming and carries a dark sense of humor. Barbara Crampton is the clear stand out of the film. She challenges the archetype of what we think vampire movies are capable of in nearly every way. She is a true wonder to behold. Truly one of the best performances of the year in one of the best horror movies of the year. Jakob’s Wife is smart, charming, and just pure fun.
RORSCHACH RATING:
Mental Health Moment: As I mentioned earlier, a good deal of this film’s first act demonstrates a strained marriage between Jakob and his wife Anne. There is one scene where another character actually asks Anne, “what happened to the wild child I knew?” displaying a character who has blindly fallen into a depressing cycle of routine. I want to clarify that routine, for her character, comes across to the viewer as an extension of depression. You could fall into a routine and enjoy it. Some people are perfectly content with that; Anne isn’t. That’s what makes her character arc so impactful to the viewer.
There are a multitude of scenes where she is belittled by her husband and undermined. It just doesn’t seem like a good place for her to be in. If I had to wager I would say her mental health has paid the toll over the years. Relationships are hard. It is two people seemingly existing together to find out which dynamic works for them. Are they equals? Does one have power in areas over the other? A portion of that trial and error is communication. As I’ve mentioned, what makes Anne and Jakob’s journey so satisfying is the growth.
There is a scene at the end of the movie where Anne turns to Jakob and says “we do this together. We are equals.” There is finally a sense of peace and happiness between the two. If you’re in a relationship, be vulnerable and communicate how you're feeling. It could end up being the lifeblood of what makes your relationship continue to grow. At the center of relationships is a shared mental health that exists between you and the other person. If that is going to continue to be healthy, communicate with one another and respect one another.
If you or someone you know is reading this right now and struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message, or tweet at us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!
Victims and Villains is written (and produced) by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey and others, and edited by Cam Smith. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. Jakob’s Wife is property of RLJE Films and Shudder. We do not own nor claim any rights.
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