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Doctor Sleep by Stephen King: Movie Review

Doctor Sleep | Warner Brothers
Doctor Sleep | Warner Brothers

Stephen King is arguably the most recognized horror author today. With 4 films released this year alone, it’s safe to say his brand is booming. Topping off the final film this year, after the mediocre Pet Sematary and IT: Chapter 2 comes Doctor Sleep, the 39 year later sequel to The Shining. And thankfully, despite not reaching the same heights as that classic, it is still well worth your time and attention.

Choosing to follow up a monumentally revered film such as Stanley Kubrik’s masterpiece is no easy task. But director Mike Flanagan took this weight on his shoulders and managed to deliver a story that is both creepy, and interesting. With solid acting and a tense atmosphere to boot, Doctor Sleep is definitely a good sequel, just not a timeless classic.

Told over the 39 years following the events of The Shining, Daniel Torrance is haunted by ghosts from the Overlook Hotel. And worse, there is a group of individuals out there known as The True Knot that feed on those that shine; people who have natural psychic abilities. Upon discovering a young girl named Abra who possesses powers far beyond his own, Dan endeavors to protect her while also facing his own demons.

Doctor Sleep | Photo Credit: Warner Brothers | Warner Brothers
Doctor Sleep | Photo Credit: Warner Brothers | Warner Brothers

The actors

The acting is solid. Ewan McGregor manages to portray Daniel Torrance with vulnerability and compassion.  Through his entire journey you root for him. Rebecca Ferguson adds some tension as the film’s main antagonist Rose the Hat. Rounding out the cast is young Kyliegh Curran who plays the tragic Abra, sympathetic as she faces The True Knot.

The atmosphere holds up the film in impressive ways. Despite being the sequel to a horror film, Doctor Sleep feels much more like an action horror movie. The heroes have to fend off real villains who are just as supernatural as they are. Yet there is still unsettling imagery in the film, from the ghosts of the Overlook Hotel to some truly sinister scenes that involve The True Knot.  As the film unfolds you feel both adrenaline and fear come over you.

Somehow the one thing that hampers the film is also one of its most interesting elements. In the final act of the film, you are beholden to a litany of callbacks to The Shining. Those who are tired of rehashing material may shake these off, yet at the same time The Shining is so compelling that it may not matter that some of these moments are recycled.

Fans of horror should definitely go see Doctor Sleep, especially fans of Stephen King. Fans of the 1980 classic will also find enjoyment here, just don’t expect it to rival The Shining.

Doctor Sleep takes us back to the Overlook Hotel, though it is not as mesmerizing as the first time around.

Doctor Sleep

Rating: 8 out of 10

Duration: 2 Hrs, 31 Mins.

Genre: Drama, Horror.

Director: Mike Flanagan

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Ferguson, Kyliegh Curran, and Cliff Curtis.

Now playing at: Film.ca Cinemas, Cineplex Winston Churchill, and Cineplex Oakville and VIP.