Jakob's Wife (2021) User Reviews

Interesting take on the vampire genre...

[paul_haakonsen · 6/10 · 11 September 2021]

When I sat down to watch the 2021 horror movie "Jakob's Wife" from writers Kathy Charles, Mark Steensland and Travis Stevens, I wasn't sure what I was in for here. Well, aside from it being a horror movie and it was something with vampires, from the movie's cover/poster.

But of course, I opted to sit down and watch "Jakob's Wife" given the fact that it was a horror movie that I hadn't already seen, plus it also had horror icon Barbara Crampton on the cast list. And I have always enjoyed her movies since back in the 1980s when seeing her in "Re-Animator", "From Beyond" and other such classic horror movies.

The storyline told in "Jakob's Wife" was actually good, and it provided a nice, new approach to the vampire genre. So the writers definitely managed to churn out something that broke the usual stereotypical formula that is often used in vampire movies. And it was a storyline that proved entertaining and enjoyable from beginning till end, and the pacing of the movie was nicely constructed.

The special effects were good, and it certainly was nice to see that writers Kathy Charles, Mark Steensland and Travis Stevens took a Nosferatu approach to the appearance of the vampires in the movie.

"Jakob's Wife" does have a good ensemble of actors and actresses, with the likes of Barbara Crampton and Larry Fessenden. It was also nice to see Bonnie Aarons in the role of The Master, as she really portrayed that character rather well.

If you enjoy vampire movies then "Jakob's Wife" is certainly well worth giving a chance. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie from director Travis Stevens.

My rating of "Jakob's Wife" lands on a six out of ten stars.

Barbara Crampton chews it up.

[Otkon · 6/10 · 16 April 2021]

This is a fun little film with some of both Crampton's and Fessenden's finest acting. It mixes a few genres into the horror. And the thing seems like a slice-of-life about a married couple that has to deal with a supernatural outbreak on top of their other issues. It goes in a few weird directions. I liked it.

Good film

[PedroPires90 · 7/10 · 21 August 2021]

Really like this one. It feels like a small horror film from the past with themes and effects from the present. Very interesting score and direction. Would like a bit more development from other characters.

Barbara Crampton is still the best!

A film that doesn't know what it wants to be

[Fortressofdoors · 6/10 · 23 April 2021]

This film starts as a serious movie, then takes a turn to semi comedy that never really works. It's an attempt at a Fright Night type of movie, but the trudges along , but not really at a slow pace, but one that keeps your curiosity on the hook just long enough. Your lead (master) vampire should be menacing and frightful, this one however, was not, so the overall punch is lost. It was more like a life coach in a bald cap. The editing is odd at times which doesn't help matters. It's one of those films that leaves you squinting at the screen in confusion at times, thinking, huh? Barbara Crampton carried the film and it was great seeing her again.

An unexpected treat

[Blazehgehg · 7/10 · 31 October 2022]

This is one of those movies where I'm glad a friend showed it to our group and I was completely blind about it. Obviously if you've seen the poster here, you're clued in on what the subject matter is, but it's interesting that the movie isn't super blatant about it. The first third of the movie is kind of a tense paranormal thriller, and it gives you plenty of room to make up your own assumptions about what's going on.

Then the reveal hits -- and the tone of the whole movie shifts to something a little more tongue-in-cheek, complete with Evil Dead amounts of blood spray. Something that initially appears buttoned-up and serious turns out to be pretty fun, all told. Some of the more complex effects look a little cheap, but the movie doesn't take itself too seriously in the end, so it's fitting with the spirit of things.

I thought it was pretty good, and I liked the fact the Minister was more than just a walking stereotype. Always gotta have a little dimensionality to your characters, and the range of his character fits with the range of the movie itself.

From creepy drama, to gore galore, to comedy...

[paulclaassen · 4/10 · 17 June 2021]

'Jakob's Wife' can't really decide what it wants to be. It goes from a very subtle first act, to an extremely bloody and gory second act, to a comedy third act - almost to the point of becoming slapstick.

This is a very different vampire movie and will be for an acquired taste only. The film's highlight and draw card is undoubtedly screen legend Barbara Crampton, who was excellent as Anne Fedder. I'm not sure whether one could refer to her as the film's protagonist, but she is the lead, and magnificent! She also looks amazing. She plays a woman trapped in a marriage to a minister who repulses her. Once bitten by a vampire - which happened off-screen for some reason, by the way - she undergoes a transformation. This was very exciting, scary and funny. The first act was highly effective with a haunting score.

Unfortunately the film itself transformed, as it turns out. As mentioned, the second act became very bloody; and I mean bucket loads of blood squirting from victims. Unrealistic and overdone, to say the least. It was still entertaining in a way, but it then goes from this gory act to a humorist final act. The creature was scary in the beginning but in the third act he looked like a creature more suited for a comedy - as if a spoof from other vampire movie creations. The humor during the first act was really funny, but it became a bit overbearing during the final act. What a pity.

Still, this is not a bad movie and deserves a watch if you're into this genre - and a MUST if you're a Barbara Crampton fan.

Would I watch it again? I doubt it.

How are you going to write this up deputy?

[nogodnomasters · 7/10 · 10 September 2021]

Jakob (Larry Fessenden) is a minister in a small town (filmed Canton, Mississippi). He is married to the dutiful wife Anne (Barbara Crampton) who is slightly annoyed by his excessive teeth brushing, snoring, and making noises when he chews. She meets Tom (Robert Rusler) an old flame from long ago on business. They want to revive the mill into a shopping district. They visit the mill and Anne is bitten by a vampire (Bonnie Aarons) and Tom doesn't fair as well. There is a slow conversion. Jakob and Anne grow apart, but then come together to go vampire hunting.

Jakob is a minister who claims he is not a priest, but manages to obtain a squirt bottle of holy water. The film is amusing. I liked the cover of the Concrete Blonde vampire song, although the original was better (sorry Tara).

Guide: F-word, sex, nudity (Barbara Compton)

A mess. No central theme, it's just all over the place

[jbar19 · 4/10 · 24 April 2021]

A vampire movie? A commentary on religion? A feminist manifesto? A horror comedy?

SNL used to have a skit where a husband and wife argued over a canned product. The wife said, "it's a floor wax!" and the husband said, "No, it's a dessert topping!" And a salesman comes in and says "Hey folks, it is both! It's a floor wax and a dessert topping!"

Which brings us to Jakob's Wife.

Either the movie had too many writers, each with a different idea, or the main writer got stoned and lost his train of thought 2 or 3 times during the course of writing this movie.

In chronological order; it is serious, it is scary, it's funny, it is feminist, it's boring, it is stupid and bam, it's over.

Ugh.

A couple of fun, bloody effects, an interesting vampire who looks like Caillou with bad teeth and a couple of cops who get a few good lines. Other than that, nothing to see here.

Scream Queen Babs Crampton strikes again!

[necromancer-mcgill · 7/10 · 17 April 2021]

This is a genuinely enjoyable wee blood soaked vampire flick. Crampton is just great. It's not for everyone obviously but if you're a comic horror fan then it's right up your street. I've been impressed with Shudder's output recently. Nice and dark. Babs gets the chebs out too!

Dark Romance

[ropelawshiel · 5/10 · 16 April 2021]

A fun dark romance, one of the better Shudder films, Love lust, gore small budget done well I have seen much worse.

A fun little mix of horror, comedy, and romance

[brettkins · 8/10 · 18 May 2021]

Barbara Crampton chews every bit of scenery in this film and takes us on a journey from repressed housewife to liberated vampire vixen. I thoroughly enjoyed the indie vibe, old school special effects, stellar cast, and nods to Salem's Lot. It felt like a labor of love and Barbara Crampton really gave it her all in every frame she was in. Jakob's Wife has a lot of heart and is a great little film that will provide you with laughs, gore, and plenty of Barbara slaying the screen.

well if this ...

[ops-52535 · 7/10 · 17 April 2021]

Isnt a surprise, then i dont know what more you want out of a religious horror movie than this. Its really no points of rest, it shifts fast, never trust any strangers, and a rat in a cage= suicide =go-go, add some satanistic inclusions and some weed smoking youngsters, and a ministers wife that looses grip of her life, as people start to disappear, blod is drunken and a n evil entity makes this a well made sacramental horror movie at all parts.

Actors are fairly unknown to me, but they deliver scriptwise, the filmographic presentation is good, it tells much of the story itself, and some excellent musical score and sound effects. So when the beloved spouce goes spicy you better take cover and let it flame out by itself.

The grumpy old man liked this film, so a recommend.

Overrated, boring mess

[mhorg2018 · 1/10 · 18 May 2021]

I understand that Barbara Crampton has a solid fanbase. I've liked her since Reanimator. But just being a fan of an actor or actress doesn't mean everything they do is great. This movie is one example. Boring to the point where five minutes feels like five hours, there is no coherent storyline, the make up effects are horrible and the Vampire, much like the one in the original Salem's Lot, is just a rip off of Nosferatu - and a really bad one at that. It looks like whoever did the vampire failed the class at Savini's or Baker's school. Just really horrible make up. But worse of all is the non-story. If one wants to write an empowerment story, is using a Vampire the way to go? Can anyone make a movie or TV show today without any woke or pc crap? Just writing good characters isn't enough? Oh, I nearly forgot-the vampires voice. Squeaky. Really? I thought vampires were supposed to sound impressive. Not this loser. And the non-ending doesn't help either.

Thristy for ...

[kosmasp · 6/10 · 28 October 2021]

Or rather yearning ... for love one may say, especially in the beginning. A relationship that has lasted as long as the one we are witnessing ... may have lost its fire. And if ... something comes along and sparks a new desire ... a new passion, you'd understand that that would be enticing to say the least.

Barbara Crampton is a well know horror movies figure, some may even argue icon. Even if there may not be the biggest movies connected with her name. She does thrive in those low budget horror movies and really elevates them with her presence. There are also some interesting spins and twists that make this movie feel it is above average and quite fresh all things considered. Any horror fan should give this a try ... it is worth it.

it starts slow, but ended up pretty good

[sucraf · 6/10 · 17 April 2021]

It was a pretty good horror. Some real good extreme gore. The acting was good and phil brooks (cm punk) can actually act. He should do more movies. I know he's done a few now. No need to go back to wrestling.

Laughable.

[fyrekracker · 2/10 · 23 April 2021]

Movie started out ok with a couple of good jump scares. Good cinematography and score so I was excited to see what would develop. Then enter the fake stuffed rats glued to an actor. Then the worst vampire acting I've seen since Blackula (which had a better storyline). Acting was pretty bad especially the husband, the vampire girl, the young delinquent... Wow that's almost all of the actors!

low budget indie horror tries extra hard

[A_Different_Drummer · 6/10 · 19 April 2021]

And succeeds in almost combining an otherwise dull vampire tale with a story of feminine liberation from marital woes. Crampton, one of the last legitimate scream queens, goes for the the gold. The core problem remains that horror films are supposed to provide thrills in otherwise dull lives. Today reality provides all the horror anyone can stand.

You'll check your watch every 5 minutes to find only 3 minutes have passed

[jtindahouse · 3/10 · 21 April 2021]

There's nothing more boring to me in the world than a vampire movie, and every year I seem to fall into the trap of watching one. Last year it was the terrible 'Doctor Sleep' and for 2021 is seems like it will be the terrible 'Jakob's Wife'. I hadn't watched a horror movie in a while and I saw a pretty high Rotten Tomatoes rating (85% at the time of writing this - how is that possible?) and was fooled into giving it a try. Bad decision. This film has very few redeeming factors.

I don't know what people could be seeing in this film. It isn't funny and it's often hard to tell if it's even trying to be or not. There are some very awkward and bizarre interactions but they certainly aren't humorous to the audience. It isn't clever. The dialogue is unbelievably flat and lacking in creativity. The acting is equally flat and adds nothing to the film.

This is one of those films where you are checking your watch every five minutes and are shocked to find only three minutes have passed. I can't recommend this one on any level.

no need to take it seriously, then you will enjoy this gory flick

[trashgang · 7/10 · 8 May 2021]

Did I like this one, yes I did. Totally blind I went into this one. Just for the name of Barbara Crampton (Re-animator) I picked this one up.

Need to take this seriousmy, you better don't do that. It's a funny situation with some gory moments and a sexy Barbara who isn't afraid to show some flesh being in her sixties.

The vampire reminded me a lot of a mixture between Salem's Lot and Nosferatu.

So if you're in the mood for a no-brainer then this is your stuff. Thinking to watch an Oscar nomination, forget it. I enjoyed it a lot...

Gore 3/5 Nudity 1/5 Effects 2,5/5 Story 2,5/5 Comedy 0/5.

Mediocrity with the obligatory "I f*king hate old white dudes" and other woke snark

[raulespinoza-86482 · 2/10 · 17 April 2021]

Oh boy, another "indie" slice of rotten pie where they have to get their digs in on religion and white men, you know, cause everyone's doing it. Then some lame and predictable comedy happens. The end.

Fantastic modern vampire tale without too much wrong

[kannibalcorpsegrinder · 9/10 · 20 August 2021]

Desperate to find fulfillment in her life, the wife of a small-town preacher starts to find it following an attack by a vampire that turns her into one as well, but as he tries to come to terms with the change in his wife's behavior and personality forcing them to come together like never before to save her.

This one ended up quite a fun overall effort. One of the strongest elements present here is the wholly impressive storyline that mixes together the varying storylines involving her separate changes in personality and appearance. Contrasting the opening where she comes across as a dutiful if repressed minister's wife who's unsatisfied with her housewife routine and goes through the motions of her relationship with him and the rest of the parishioners at the church to how her life opens up following the vampire attack where she starts to be more assertive and less restricted with social decorum creates a fairly strong and enjoyable storyline throughout here. As well, when this one goes for the horror scenes to help back up that change, there's a lot to like here. The idea of her outward physical changes being the most prominent aspects of the change creates some fun times here with her pale skin, sunken features, and increased supernatural energy. From hiding her features under extravagant clothing that's a far cry from her normal appearance, lusting after blood of any kind she comes across and, in general, becoming more dominant and assertive with herself leads to a rather fun difference between these varying aspects as they continue on throughout the film. The other impressive aspect of the film is the strong amount of vampire action that's on display. The opening attack in the darkened mill is a chilling sequence with the creature kept off-screen until the last moment and even then a completely unrecognizable blip is all we get. The later encounters with the turned creatures in the building have a lot of graphic and gory fun with the over-the-top blood-splatter in the kill sequences. Seeing the later encounters with the two going up against the various creatures now coming out into the fray against them allows for great make-up work on the appearance of the vampire queen and the action involved gives this a lot to like about it. There isn't much in the way of flaws for this one but it does have a minor issue. The main problem overriding this one is the sudden change in writing towards the husband in the second half where he seems to veer widely between various different personalities and goals throughout the section. Initially unconcerned with the vampire side of her and wanting to find a way to put the main vampire down, he then turns into a coward at the sight of confrontation and finally gets brought back onto wanting to defeat the vampire with very little reasoning or motivation. It all screams of plot convenience rather than the actual storyline about the main vampire which is also quite underwhelming, leading to the real issues with this one.

Rated Unrated/R: Extreme Graphic Violence, Graphic Language, Brief Nudity, a sex scene, and mild drug use.

Feminist Rat Vampire Flick?

[selfdestructo · 6/10 · 1 February 2023]

I actually found a good portion of Jakob's Wife to be quite dull. The movie eventually gets its footing, and gets better as it goes along. I love Barbara Crampton, so I'll watch anything with her in it (still willing to get naked in 2021!). Did not realize The Master in this (Bonnie Aarons) was also The Nun. She's got a real creepy presence. Loved the little girl watching them load a dead body into the trunk, and requesting a "new" swear word in exchange for her silence. The blood was totally excessive, and I've never said that before. Think Japanese gore water-sprinkler effect, only more excessive. I hated this ending. "Ok" vampire film with an empowering message. A generous 6.

Certified Fresh! The only way a horror movie gets a pass from critics is if it has a serious message, has historical significance, or has foreign accents or language. I'm guessing this one scored high with its message of female empowerment. As a vampire flick, it's not so hot.

take a bite out of faith

[lee_eisenberg · 5/10 · 17 August 2022]

I recently saw Stuart Gordon's 1985 horror flick "Re-Animator". Obviously a, ahem, certain shot of Barbara Crampton interested me in the rest of her movies, so I was pleasantly surprised to find "Jakob's Wife" in the local video store (yes, there are still neighborhood video stores).

The movie is nothing special. Crampton plays the unfulfilled wife of a minister who gets a new lease on life after a chance encounter with a mysterious being whom she calls the Master. If you're expecting lowbrow horror with comedic elements, then this movie won't disappoint (and not just because of a certain shot of Crampton). Corny but enjoyable.

Loved it!

[zhivago97 · 7/10 · 23 October 2021]

What happens when a submissive, prim 'n proper wife of a pastor gets bitten by a vampire? A lot of fun!

Interesting storyline and a new take on some old themes. Very well acted. I loved the fact that the creators used humor and didn't take this too seriously. A nice balance of creepy, serious and funny. Definitely a horror film, and not a B movie comedy-horror, but it is light hearted in spots. In other words, a perfect Friday night popcorn movie.

Is it just me or does the pastor's wife look like a goth version of Madonna???

A better love story than Twilight

[Doctor_Enigmatic · 6/10 · 21 January 2023]

I know that isn't a high bar, but my word, it ts touching. The gore is amazing. It is kind of like the vampire movies of the 80s in many senses. The homage is strong and obvious. It's fun and the vampires are creepy. Laughing and seeing some horrifying stuff is a tough act to do. Thankfully the two man characters are good at their jobs. I've seen all the vampire type films and this isn't like a super serious film. It's a fun horror romp, so have your expectations set correctly and you won't be disappointed.

The master is also super creepy. I love the more Nosferatu feel and vampire design. They were always creepier in my opinion.