Movie Review: Doctor Sleep (2019)
Synopsis
"Doctor Sleep" is a 2019 horror-drama film directed by Mike Flanagan, adapted from Stephen King’s 2013 novel of the same name. Serving as a sequel to the iconic 1980 film "The Shining," it centres on the now-adult Dan Torrance, played by Ewan McGregor, who is haunted by the traumatic experiences of his childhood at the Overlook Hotel. Struggling with alcoholism and psychic abilities that manifest as "shining"—the same powers that plagued his father, Jack Torrance—Dan seeks to escape the shadow of his past.
The film opens by revisiting Dan’s traumatic memories of the Overlook Hotel. After a series of dark and unsettling encounters with both his inner demons and external threats, Dan eventually finds himself in a small New Hampshire town, where he attempts to forge a new life. However, his serene existence is disrupted when he encounters Abra Stone, portrayed by Kyliegh Curran. Abra is a teenager with even stronger psychic abilities than Dan, who reaches out to him for assistance in combating a sinister group known as the True Knot. Led by the charismatic Rose the Hat, played by Rebecca Ferguson, these immortal beings feed on the "steam" generated from the suffering of those with supernatural abilities.
As Dan and Abra form an alliance to fight against the True Knot, they are both forced to confront their own demons and the lingering spectres of the past. The film ultimately weaves a complex narrative of trauma, healing, and the bonds formed through shared experiences, all whilst delving into the horror elements that fans of King and Kubrick have come to expect.
Cast of Actors and Characters
- Ewan McGregor as Dan Torrance
- Rebecca Ferguson as Rose the Hat
- Kyliegh Curran as Abra Stone
- Cliff Curtis as Billy Freeman
- Bruce Greenwood as Dr. John Dalton
- Emily Alyn Lind as Violet
- Jacob Tremblay as Larry
- Alex Esso as Wendy Torrance
- Carl Lumbly as Dick Hallorann
- Henry Thomas as Jack Torrance (in flashback)
Review
"Doctor Sleep" is a strikingly ambitious film that captures the essence of Stephen King’s storytelling while paying homage to Stanley Kubrick’s "The Shining." The director, Mike Flanagan, is well-known for his deft touch in the horror genre, as evidenced by his previous works like "Gerald’s Game" and the Netflix series "The Haunting of Hill House." Here, he manages to merge nostalgia with a fresh narrative, creating a film that resonates with both fans of the original and newcomers to the story.
The screenplay flows with a remarkable efficiency, seamlessly transitioning between the plotlines of Dan Torrance’s recovery journey and Abra’s fight against the True Knot. Flanagan’s writing is both respectful to King’s original novel and the film’s predecessor, managing to draw connections while firmly standing on its own merits. The themes of trauma and recovery—central to both King’s novel and the adaptation—are explored with an authenticity that is rarely found in horror films, allowing viewers to engage emotionally with the characters’ struggles.
Ewan McGregor’s portrayal of Dan Torrance is understated yet powerful. He embodies a man burdened by his past and the memories of the Overlook Hotel, adeptly portraying the complexities of addiction and the arduous path to recovery. McGregor’s performance adds depth to what could have been a straightforward horror tale. He captures Dan’s vulnerability while also showcasing his growth and determination to break free from the cycle of abuse that has haunted him for years.
In contrast, Rebecca Ferguson shines as Rose the Hat, the film’s main antagonist. Ferguson’s performance is magnetic; she exudes a charm that is both alluring and menacing. Her interpretation of Rose captures the character’s seductive nature and inherent evil, making her a formidable foe for Dan and Abra. The dynamic between Dan and Rose is astonishingly wrought, as they each represent different aspects of ‘shining’—one as a protector and the other as a predator. This cat-and-mouse tension drives much of the film and provides a chillingly engaging backdrop to the story.
Kyliegh Curran’s Abra Stone is a revelation. The young actress possesses a remarkable intensity and maturity that belies her age. Abra is not only a victim but also a formidable force in her own right, and Curran’s performance captures the essence of a young girl grappling with immense power and responsibility. Her chemistry with McGregor enhances the emotional weight of their shared journey, allowing for moments of tenderness amidst the horror.
The film’s cinematography, helmed by Michael Fimognari, is a visual feast that pairs beautifully with the narrative. The imagery is simultaneously nightmarish and poetic, evoking the desolation of Dan’s inner turmoil and the dark allure of the True Knot’s existence. The film’s pacing is commendable, slowly building tension and dread while weaving in moments of humour and human connection that provide much-needed respite.
Another noteworthy aspect of "Doctor Sleep" is its score, composed by The Newton Brothers and featuring motifs reminiscent of Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind’s original score for "The Shining." The music effectively heightens the atmospheric tension, combining haunting melodies with dissonant elements that amplify the horror—making every jump scare feel earned and impactful.
However, "Doctor Sleep" is not without its flaws. Some critiques have arisen regarding the film’s lengthy runtime, which clocks in at nearly three hours. While the intricate storytelling is generally engaging, a few sequences can feel drawn out, leading viewers to wonder whether some scenes could have been more concise without sacrificing narrative quality. Additionally, certain elements, especially towards the film’s climax, may tug a little too heavily on nostalgia for a visceral impact, coming across as cliched for those unfamiliar with the original film.
Moreover, the design choices surrounding the True Knot could have been explored more thoroughly. Although their cannibalistic, nomadic nature was intriguing, it sometimes felt like a missed opportunity to delve deeper into their backstories, motivations, and the lore surrounding them. Consequently, the True Knot came off as a more generic threat without the layers of complexity that would elevate them to truly memorable horror antagonists.
Conclusion
"Doctor Sleep" stands as an impressive and ambitious sequel that manages to respect the legacy of both Stephen King’s literature and Stanley Kubrick’s cinematic achievement in "The Shining." With a strong performance from Ewan McGregor, a mesmerizing antagonist in Rebecca Ferguson, and an exceptional breakout performance by Kyliegh Curran, the film balances horror and emotional depth with remarkable finesse. Mike Flanagan’s direction and storytelling invite viewers on a journey of trauma and healing through the lens of horror, making it a noteworthy entry in both King’s film adaptations and the genre.
Despite its few shortcomings and pacing issues, "Doctor Sleep" offers a rich, layered experience that deserves credit for seamlessly intertwining its predecessors’ elements while crafting a narrative that stands on its own. This film will likely resonate with anyone who has grappled with their past, making it as much a tale of redemption as a horror story.
Overall, I would rate "Doctor Sleep" 8.5 out of 10.