By: Skylar Jones
Managing Editor
“Hereeeeee’s Johnny!” The infamous and haunting Stephen King thriller “The Shining” returns with a sequel, “Doctor Sleep.”
Disclaimer: Watch “The Shining” before you watch “Doctor Sleep.” You’ll appreciate this film more.
Stephen King outdid himself again with another exciting and mysterious thriller. It’s almost as if the “The Shining” picked up right where it left off in 1980, sucking viewers back into the parallel universe of little Danny Torrance.
Directed and written by Mike Flanagan, “Doctor Sleep” features stars such as Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Ferguson, Kyliegh Curran, and more. The film is based off of the best-selling novel “Doctor Sleep” written by Stephen King in 2013.
Grown-up Danny Torrance, played by Ewan McGregor, is tasked to protect young girl Abra Stone, played by Kylieh Curran, who possesses the same “shining powers” as he does. Through their strong telepathic connection, they are able to fight against a cult with evil powers similar to theirs, The True Knot. Danny and Abra unite in an effort to eradicate the cult, and end up in some familiar places…even a maze.
The casting of “Doctor Sleep” was a crucial aspect of this film. The actors had a lot to live up to as they were tip-toeing in the shadows of the legendary Jack Nicholson, who played Danny’s father Jack Torrance in “The Shining.” Ewen McGregor surpassed expectations of adult Danny as he mastered his mysterious and genius character.
“Doctor Sleep” presents a complex storyline, however, it is easy to follow. Although the film is centered around “The Shining,” the plot is completely different with an entirely new cast and conflict. King tells a story like no other, engaging the audience with paranormal and thrilling activity.
With the familiar, suspenseful music from “The Shining,” viewers are constantly at the edge of their seats. The eerie music adds another layer of fear and thrill, proving to be a vital aspect of the film’s production.
Cinematographer Michael Fimognari captures the perfect angles and aspects of the set and cast. He notably reflects the angles and shots of those in the original film, an aspect in which filmmakers and Stephen King fans will appreciate. Fimognari flawlessly encapsulates and shoots the film in a way that is aesthetically pleasing to viewers, yet still maintaining its taint of horror.
Set designers must have been in heaving when recreating the set of the infamous “Overlook Hotel,” the haunted residence from “The Shining.” The set design is absolutely flawless; it looks as if nothing had been touched since 1980. All minor details were noted and incorporated, enhancing and amplifying all other features of the film.
Viewers will have goosebumps when watching this film. It is thrilling and mysterious, compelling and suspenseful, but also in a sense, heartwarming. Long-time fans of “The Shining” are given the chance to return to The Overlook Hotel and see the story to its end, once and for all. Every aspect of the film is thoroughly thought out, creating a perfect depiction of Stephen King’s novel, “Doctor Sleep.”
Released on Nov. 8, “Doctor Sleep” is available for viewing nationwide.
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