Horrific Inquiry: THE STEPFATHER (2009)

Welcome back to the newest, and at times goriest, column here at Film Inquiry – Horrific Inquiry. Twice a month, I will be tackling all things horror, each month bringing two films back into the spotlight to terrify and frighten once more. And occasionally looking at those that could have pushed the envelope further. Join us as we dive deep into the heart of horror, but warning, there will be spoilers.

June is the month of fathers. And what better film to commemorate the event than The Stepfather (2009). While a remake of the original released in 1987 and starring Terry O’Quinn, The Stepfather gives a whole new meaning to the idea of the family patriarch and keeping the family together – forever. And while it suffers from a few plot holes, lack of gore and some cheesy horror tropes along the way, it proves to be an enjoyable film overall.

A Family Gathering to Die For

The Stepfather does not wait to dive into the mind of its killer, opening Christmas morning as the film’s killer (Dylan Walsh) meticulously transforms his image and personae. Hair, eye color and facial hair are all altered in an attempt to not only flee the eventual pursuit by police but also set himself up for his next conquest. There is an intense score that accompanies his actions, the camera going beyond the man to capture the straight lined lay-out of his supplies and his complete disregard for the murders he has just committed. As the score fades out and he begins to leave the home, viewers are left to take in the damage he has left behind – the family that didn’t work out.

For a moment, just following his departure, the film becomes disjointed as a voice-over from authorizes rules out their list of suspects, settling on this “mystery man”. While they have a sketch, there is no other identifying markers or trace for them to follow. And with six months having passed, the leads have run cold.

The Stepfather has elegantly crafted the cool exterior of the killer, this further proven by how easily he slides into the lives of the Harding family. Meeting Susan (Sela Ward) and her two children at the supermarket, there is an instant connection he, now known as David Harris, is able to establish between them, an additional six months revealing their engagement.

It is in this instant, in the selection of this family, that The Stepfather begins to tackle the escalation towards David becoming a disorganized killer, pushing his MO to evolve in the process. It is a small subtle change, one that will have increasingly dire effects on his desired outcome. While the families previously chosen comprised of small children, the Harding family has one soon-to-be high school senior returning home from military school – Michael (Penn Badgley). And on a side note, what an interesting chance it is to see Badgley on the other side of the stalking narrative following his leading performance in Netflix’s You.

Crafting a Killer Flick

While everything starts out smoothly, the predator within David begins to rise to the surface, slowly bubbling over to those surrounding the family. There is an insistence to create the perfect family at all costs, with a silent understanding that it will never truly be possible. It is this understanding of David that gives the film some of its heightened intensity. This and the film’s meticulously planned editing and framing, delivering jump scares but also presenting the uncertainty of where the action will occur on screen.

The film creates subtle contrasts further driving the divide between reality and fiction. Constantly, viewers are shown affections between Michael and girlfriend Kelly contrasting the false one being crafted by David. And while much of the teenage romance feels more sexualized than contrasted at times, it does craft a dividing line nonetheless.

The sexualized aspects of the film fit the unnecessary inclusion that horror films often humor. Yet, it is not only the over-sexualization at times, it is the film’s viewpoint of women that may present a turn-off to viewers. In one scene, David, Susan, and Michael have a conversation regarding his over-the-top show of affection with Kelly. While they try to sway him to take it down a notch, the reasoning given about the need for more discretion is “ you don’t want people to get the wrong idea about her”. While it takes two to tango, the film reinforces a collective belief that all fault and accountability falls strictly on the woman.

Conclusion: The Stepfather

The Stepfather may be predictable at times, its layering of the pieces to its puzzles will create an increased tension as the film is not in a rush to have its characters put the pieces together. There is always something just under the surface threatening to breakthrough, but it waits patiently for release. It is also not afraid to extend itself beyond the family it is trying to infiltrate, carefully balancing outside forces for an increased body count and tension.

While this 2009 remake of The Stepfather may not be the first film that comes to mind this Father’s Day, it is an enjoyable horror film that lends itself to multiple rewatches.

Happy Father’s Day!

Have you seen either the original or remake of The Stepfather? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!

Watch The Stepfather