The Stepford Wives (2004) Film Review: A Polished Satire

Plot Summary

I just rewatched The Stepford Wives (the one with Nicole Kidman) on Netflix. 

It is a campy, glossy, yet knowingly playful sci-fi, horror comedy that deserves more credit than it often gets. 

Joanna Eberhart is a high-powered television executive whose life takes a sharp turn after a very public professional breakdown, where she literally gets "shot down" by an angry and murderous gameshow participant. 

Looking for a fresh start, she moves with her husband Walter and their children to Stepford, Connecticut, a town that appears frozen in a vision of suburban perfection. Everything is immaculate. The lawns are flawless, the houses are picture perfect, and the women are relentlessly cheerful, impeccably groomed, and devoted to domestic life with an intensity that feels unsettling. 

Joanna struggles to fit in almost immediately. As a modern, ambitious woman, she finds Stepford’s values oddly suffocating. She soon befriends Bobbie, another recent arrival who shares her skepticism and sharp wit. Together, they begin to notice that the women of Stepford behave in eerily similar ways, while the men seem to control the town’s hidden power structures. 

As the mystery unfolds, the film reveals that Stepford’s perfection is no accident. The truth behind the town’s harmony touches on fear of change, insecurity, and an exaggerated desire to control relationships and identity. Importantly, the film delivers these ideas through humor and spectacle rather than dread. It is less about horror and more about social commentary wrapped in comedy. 

The ending where the women all wake up and everyone realises that it is another woman who was controlling the whole show (through a man, her "husband") was a good one. 

What Works Best

The biggest reason this movie works as well as it does is Nicole Kidman. She is genuinely delightful here. Cute, funny, and relaxed, Kidman gives Joanna a warmth that grounds the satire. Her comedic timing is sharp, her reactions feel natural, and she carries the film with an ease that makes the story engaging even when it turns absurd. This performance is a reminder of how effective she can be in lighter, comedic roles.

Visually, the film is polished and appealing. Stepford looks exactly as it should, bright, symmetrical, and slightly unreal. The production design reinforces the film’s themes without overexplaining them. The director keeps the pacing tight, the tone consistent, and the humor accessible.

Conclusion and Recommendation

The Stepford Wives succeeds because it understands its own identity. It is not trying to be a horror film, nor is it aiming for heavy-handed social critique. Instead, it offers a slick, mainstream satire that balances entertainment with ideas. Its commentary on gender roles, marriage, and control is delivered with humor, warmth, and a knowing smile.

Most importantly, it is fun. It is the kind of movie that rewards viewers who appreciate strong performances, clever setups, and a playful take on classic science fiction concepts.

Rating: 4.2 out of 5

Highly recommended for viewers who enjoy smart comedies with a satirical edge, polished studio filmmaking, and performances that clearly understand and elevate the material. (All views are my own personal thoughts and reflections on movies and books that I read, on my blog Left Hand Column: Book and Film Reviews.)