Logan Sork Film Reviews
Doctor Sleep
The Shining directed by Stanley Kubrick is one of the best films ever made and contains some of the most iconic scenes in horror cinema history. But, it’s also a film that the author of the source material, Stephen King, absolutely despised. So, it would be an incredible task to whoever would have to adapt the sequel novel to the big screen, given they would have to adhere to King’s story while also having to pay homage to the film (which is extremely different in tone from the novel). Thankfully, one of the best horror directors, Mike Flanagan, was behind the camera, and what he delivered is a film that honors both the King source material as well as the Kubrick film that it follows in spectacular fashion.
Doctor Sleep is directed by Mike Flanagan and is a sequel to Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 film The Shining and is based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. The film stars Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Ferguson, Kyleigh Curran, and Cliff Curtis. Set 30 years after the events of The Shining, the story follows Dan Torrance (McGregor), who is a struggling alcoholic traumatized by his experience as a child at the Overlook Hotel. He has since abandoned his telepathic gift, called “shining”, as it brings too much pain to use. That is however until he meets Abra (Curran), a young girl who also shares this unique ability, who is on the run from a cult led by the mysterious Rose the Hat (Ferguson). Dan agrees to help the girl fight the cult, who seek out those who shine for their own sinister motives.
As a sequel to The Shining, I will say that this film is a very different film than the 1980 classic, which, I think, is a welcome change. While the original was an isolated, cold, madness driven character study, this film moves away from that and adapts a narrative approach, presenting multiple characters, locations, and subplots. Because of these elements, the opening minutes of the film sag a bit, as Flanagan sets up the proverbial chessboard. However, once the film gets going, it is a tense slow-burn thriller that keeps you engaged up until the final act. While some people may be taken aback by this narrative structure, I think it works in the film’s favor. Not only does it deepen the story presented in the original film in a profound way, but it also differentiates itself, allowing it to feel like its own thing rather than a blatant copy-paste sequel. And for that reason, I’m fine with the changes, but it is understandable if others are not.
Continuing with the idea of changes, one major one Is seen behind the camera. While director Mike Flannagan is no Kubrick, he never tries to be. Sure, there are some shots that are recreated as homages to the original, but they always feel like a Flannagan film rather than a Kubrick one. This allows for the film to develop its own voice that separates it from the original, and what a voice it is. Flanagan’s approach to the horror elements of the source material may not be as hard-hitting as other horror directors, but it doesn’t need to be. There are a lot of subtle moments throughout the film that won’t exactly jump out at you, but rather creep in and scare you in a different way. The concept of the shine itself is also handled in a very unique stylistic way. It is during these sequences that Flanagan really shines, delivering surreal looking, but still somewhat grounded sequences that really help the film stand out amongst other supernatural thrillers. So, again, while the direction feels different from the original, it is ultimately a strength to the film.
One thing that does carry over from the original, however, is that the main cast members turn in fantastic performances. Ewan McGregor shines as an older Danny Torrance, one who carries the traumatic memories of the events at the Overlook Hotel with a great burden and must struggle with them well into his adult years. McGregor plays this struggle perfectly in what is one of his best performances. Also excellent is newcomer Kyleigh Curran, who delivers an energetic yet understated performance as Abra. She could’ve very easily been an annoying, overconfident child, but, thankfully, she is not afraid to ask for help and she holds her own if she has to. Rebecca Ferguson is also excellent as the villainous Rose, whose cold menace helps to add a different feel to the film, as well as some of its most disturbing moments. Another surprise was Carl Lumbly as the apparition of Dick Halloran, who does a perfect impression of Scatman Crothers’ original performance. There were also some not so good performances, but these were mostly from extras and some actors portraying legacy characters. Aside from those exceptions, however, the cast was phenomenal.
The film is also a fascinating look at how traumatic events can impact people and how they cope with their demons from a psychological angle. The emotional turmoil that Danny experienced as a little boy in the hotel still haunts him in his adult life, forcing him to confront his demons in several powerful scenes. Still, there are moments where Danny doesn’t feel that powerful, but he still finds a way to struggle through it. It is this type of perseverance that makes this film so engaging. You want him to make it through this trauma and you want him to confront his demons, making you care for him and the journey he undertakes. The film also touches on the idea of doing the right thing, even if you may hurt yourself in the process. Danny has given up the shining, but when Abra asks him for help he helps her not because he owes a debt to her, but because he knows what it’s like, and he’s willing to hurt himself to save her. It is through the complex exploration of these themes that the film truly stands out and solidifies itself as a fantastic film.
This movie is not just a worthy sequel to The Shining, it creates its own identity and truly stands on its own as a masterclass in great filmmaking. This is helped by a different narrative approach from the original, fantastic direction, great performances and the exploration of universal themes in a compelling way. Some may be disappointed that it is not similar to the original film, and I completely understand it. But the film makes a strong case for itself in many different ways and can certainly shine on its own.
9/10