Cast
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Terry O'Quinn
as Jerry Blake
Jill Schoelen
as Stephanie Maine
Shelley Hack
as Susan
Charles Lanyer
as Dr. Bondurant
Stephen Shellen
as Jim Ogilvie
Stephen E. Miller
as Al Brennan
Robyn Stevan
as Karen
Jeff Schultz
as Paul Baker
Lindsay Bourne
as Art Teacher
Anna Hagan
as Mrs. Leitner
Gillian Barber
as Anne Barnes
Blu Mankuma
as Lt. Jack Wall
Jackson Davies
as Mr. Chesterton
Sandra Head
as Receptionist
Gabrielle Rose
as Dorothy Rinehard
Crew
Director
- Joseph Ruben
Producer
- Jay Benson
Reviews
Wuchak
***What if your stepfather is a psycho?***
After an amiable man (Terry O'Quinn) in the Seattle area slays his family he starts a new one under a different identity, but his discerning stepdaughter (Jill Schoelen) picks up on his questionable morality.
“The Stepfather” (1987) is a solid crime drama/thriller with a bit o’ horror. Movies like “Psycho” (1960), “Play Misty for Me” (1971), “Halloween” (1978), “The Shining” (1980) and “Fatal Attraction” (1987) come to mind, but this is equal parts coming-of-age drama in the mold of “The Crush” (1993) with a sort of inverted story. O’Quinn effectively portrays the delusional titular character while Schoelen is reminiscent of a young Demi Moore. The decidedly 80’s score is quaint.
The film runs 1 hour, 29 minutes, and was shot in the Vancouver area, including Edgemont Village. The main cast is rounded out by Shelley Hack (the girl’s mother), Charles Lanyer (her therapist) and Stephen Shellen (the justice-seeking brother of the original family).
GRADE: B+
Sep 5, 2019
CinemaSerf
Leaving a scene of carnage behind him, “Jerry” (Terry Quinn) chucks the evidence over the side of his departing ferry and goes off in search of a new life. He is soon settled down with “Susan” (Shelley Hack) and her teenage daughter “Stephanie” (Jill Schoelen). That all seems to be proceeding well enough, he’s got a job as an estate agent and though his relationship with his new step-daughter could be better, things seem fine. Suddenly, though, it’s as if a switch has been flipped and his previously more menacing character starts to rear its ugly head. His family aren’t quite as malleable as he required and so, well, you can imagine his reaction and the rest of the plot. I suspect his approach to a pain-in-the-ass teen might resonate with some, but perhaps not with a family who have to come to terms with his increasingly unpleasant behaviour and that’s really the gist of this. It’s not exactly original, nor does it stray very far from the path of predictability as the drama is repetitively protracted to maximise the sense of peril without really paying much attention to plausibility. We know that “Ogilvie” (Stephen Shellen) is on his trail, but that thread rather peters out before a denouement that is both rushed and clumsily sequel-boding. It’s ok, but nothing special, sorry.
Feb 6, 2025
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Stepfather presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Joseph Ruben brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1987, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Stepfather took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $1.2 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 89 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 145 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 188 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1987, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Stepfather shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Omen, which focuses more on action than character development, The Stepfather subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Se7en and An American Werewolf in London explore similar territory, The Stepfather stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 23, 1987
- Runtime: 1h 29m
- Budget: $1,200,000
- Revenue: $2,488,740
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