Adaptations of Stephen King‘s works continue to be as prolific as the horror master himself. This week alone brings the theatrical release of The Running Man, an adaptation of the dystopian novel written under King’s pen name Richard Bachman, and news of a Mister Yummy feature film. There’s also the current season of IT: Welcome […]
1922 – Netflix
Writer/director Zak Hilditch adapted Stephen King’s 2010 novella, weaving a haunting tale of isolation, guilt, and comeuppance for a murder. Set at a rural farm in Nebraska, Wilfred (The Mist‘s Thomas Jane) vehemently opposes his wife’s plan to sell the farm and move to the city. He enlists his teen son to aid in her murder, then dumps her body in a dry well to cover up the crime. As time passes, their actions prove to have shocking consequences. It’s slow simmering gothic horror that emphasizes atmosphere. That Hilditch has upcoming zombie movie We Bury the Dead on the way makes now a great time to revisit.
1408 – Fawesome, Peacock
Director Mikael Håfström gives a surreal twist to a classic haunting in his adaptation of King’s short story, one that doesn’t pop up on streaming with regularity. John Cusack stars as Mike Enslin, a cynical author who specializes in debunking the paranormal. Despite warnings from hotel manager Gerald Olin (Samual L. Jackson), Enslin checks into the haunted room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel. That skepticism changes to unbridled fear when the room preys on his grief over his lost daughter, and more. The Carpenters’ “We’ve Only Just Begun” transforms into a menacing warning here that’ll leave you on edge.
Christine – Criterion Channel, HBO Max
John Carpenter’s Stephen King adaptation saw a nerdy teen undergo a dramatic personality transformation after purchasing and bonding with his new car. There’s more than meets the eye with his Plymouth Fury, Christine. It turns out she’s got one severe jealousy streak, and she’s willing to kill anyone that would get between her and her owner. Christine is one slick killing machine, and her film is made memorable by Carpenter’s direction, clever approach to the car’s resurrection, and score. If you need added incentive, Carpenter and Christine are highly influential for filmmaker Johannes Roberts, who’s releasing killer chimp flick Primate in January.
The Dark Half – Hoopla, MGM+
Before Amy Madigan stole Weapons as the unforgettable Aunt Gladys, she played supporting wife Liz Beaumont in the adaptation of King’s 1989 novel. Directed and adapted for the screen by George A. Romero, The Dark Half follows Thad Beaumont (Timothy Hutton), an author attempting to bury his more successful pen name, George Stark. But George doesn’t want to be buried and becomes a physical presence that terrorizes Thad’s friends and family. The novel was written after King’s own alter ego, Richard Bachman, was outed, and the author even dedicated the novel to “the late Richard Bachman.”
The Dead Zone – MGM+, Pluto TV
Body horror master David Cronenberg helmed one of the earliest theatrical King adaptations, starring Christopher Walken as John Smith, a young school teacher who slips into a coma for five years due to a car accident. When he comes to, he finds his lady love has moved on and a new psychic ability that gives him insight into anyone he touches. It’s a grounded sci-fi thriller with an unforgettable ending, but not nearly as memorable as Walken’s performance. “The ice is gonna break!”
Storm of the Century – Hulu
The residents of Little Tall Island are trapped without outside access due to a dangerous blizzard that shows no signs of abating. Trapped with them is an ominous stranger, who quickly makes a statement by murdering a long-time neighbor. Written by Stephen King as an original screenplay, Storm of the Century builds suspense as the stranger continues to dangle his motivations out of reach while exploiting the darkest secrets of the residents. The world outside may be daunting due to hazardous conditions, but sometimes, inside is even more dangerous. With winter already encroaching, now’s the time to get cozy with this icy tale.