Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Jakob’s Wife’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Jakob’s Wife’.

One particular type of story that audiences love to partake in, are stories that feature an awakening. Wherein a good character that is buried beneath tough circumstances… comes to discover their self-worth or their true talent and in doing so, realizes that this not the reality they have to function within. Which in turn, motivates them to leave their life behind and embrace a brand new one and audiences love this type of story for one reason and one reason alone… because it is ridiculously inspiring. Because so many people out there can relate to feeling trapped in life or underwhelmed by where they are. So, seeing or reading a story that reminds us to dig deep and ask ourselves if we are doing enough to find fulfillment or our true north, resonates with us on a fundamental level and in some cases, offers us our own awakening.
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But while these stories do indeed put a smile on our faces and give us a little serotonin boost in our day, they do come with quite the flaw. In that, they sometimes don’t resonate with the right people. For they keep it broad and fluffy and well, that’s problematic because so many people use storytelling to find meaning and direction in life, and deserve a story that caters to their unique situation. But as popular culture continues to evolve and grow, storytellers are starting to understand the need for more diverse and inclusive entertainment and oddly enough, horror is leading the charge in this matter. As evidenced by a brand-new horror film that just arrived on Shudder this week, since Jakob’s Wife is a motion picture that offers up a female perspective on the awakening process, in quite the unique and intelligent manner.

Now, in this particular film, we are introduced to a husband and wife named Jakob and Anne Fedder who seemingly have it all. For Jakob is the town’s minister and being at the center of his town’s faith, allows for he and Anne to live wholesome lives. The kind where they are able to help others and share in big life moments with their congregation and of course, they have a nice home to live in and food on the table and God’s love in their hearts to go along with their love of one another. But there’s just one problem in regard to this life… in that, Anne is freakin’ miserable. For she is nothing more than Jakob’s Wife and has no dreams of her own or hobbies or joy outside of serving the Lord and her husband. But a chance encounter with a vampire, changes all of that. For ‘The Master’s’ bite gives Anne a new perspective on life, alongside some new abilities and well… now that she is undead and free, there are going to be some changes in her household, and time will tell if they will be good or bad for Jakob.

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If anything, that’s simply a brilliant and original plot, one that truly speaks to topics that are timely and relevant. Because women’s rights in the 21st Century are being discussed often, and the role of a woman in the home and in the modern world is being revisited and revised on a daily basis and Anne’s journey reflects all of those discussions and evaluations. For she represents all the women out there who are yearning for more but are still being told by an ancient and silly patriarchy that they are best seen and not heard, and that dreams and careers are only for men. Which makes Anne’s transition into vampirism so incredibly satisfying and powerful. Since death and resurrection serve as a metaphor for her awakening and understanding that she is enough, and that she is more than her husband or those dated notions view to her to be, and it really is quite inspirational to see her come to that particular realization and embrace it through and through. But what’s equally as amazing, is that there is additional commentary to be found within the framework of this film. 
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Because this is a motion picture that really takes the time to look at a key root cause as to why the modern world struggles to view women as the equals that they are, and it turns out… that religion plays a big part in that. For its outmoded views and common belief that it is an end all, be all guide to modern life… allows for stupid concepts to thrive. Such as the husband being the only breadwinner and having command over his spouse and it is quite refreshing to see a film point out that we need to let go of the past, whilst toying around a little with the hypocrisy that accompanies religion, and yet the film still manages to go deeper with its commentary. Since it also takes the time to examine the nature of toxic relationships and what allows for them to thrive since there are some genuinely unhealthy aspects to Anne and Jakob’s marriage.

But of course, what is a horror film without gore and chilling moments and thankfully those are present here as well. Because the mysterious Master that lurks in the shadows, brings forth some eerie moments for certain and of course, the gore is simply top notch. For when these vampires feed, they do so with a voracity that is uncomfortable and unsettling and that allows for the blood to flow like wine and well, in the end… all of these elements make this movie required viewing. Simply because you cannot go wrong with a horror flick that has so much depth and relevance to offer its viewers and it doesn’t hurt that it features some phenomenal performances as well. For Larry Fessenden is simply electric as Jakob and well, it is definitely safe to say that Barbara Crampton delivers the finest performance of her career to date here. Which is saying something considering she’s a horror icon. So, if you’re looking for an intelligent horror film to sink your teeth (or fangs) into, one that stays with you for a long time, courtesy of its powerful commentary on feminism and equality and the need for the patriarchy to go away… then swing by Shudder and give this magnificent motion picture a look.

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