When fans first heard there was going to be a sequel to Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of The Shining, it’s fair to say that a lot of people were very skeptical. Sure, it was based on King’s own follow up novelOpens in a new tab Doctor Sleep. But the 1980 Kubrick film is considered by many to be one of the greatest and most terrifying horror films ever made. Well, considered great by everyone but Stephen King himself — but that’s a whole other can of worms.
Could Doctor Sleep’s director Mike Flanagan be the one to please both fans of the book and the Kubrick filmOpens in a new tab? According to early social media reactions….it most certainly seems like he has. With the social media embargo now lifted, early viewers now have a chance to reveal just what they though of maybe the most anticipated horror movie of the year. And so far, everyone seems to be pretty pleased!
Our very own Kyle Anderson claims that Rebecca Ferguson has joined the pantheon of great horror icons. I predict a lot Rose cosplay at conventions in the very near future.
#DoctorSleepOpens in a new tab somehow does justice to both King and Kubrick while perfectly fitting into Flanagan’s already impressive, somber-creepy catalog. It runs on the heart of its characters and their plight. And Rebecca Ferguson’s Rose the Hat is poised to be a new horror icon. pic.twitter.com/aq3jcgupwcOpens in a new tab
— Dyle M for Murderson (@FunctionalNerd) October 25, 2019Opens in a new tab
Best King adaptation since Shawshank? Ok, that’s a big Whoa. High praise indeed.
Doctor Sleep is the best Stephen King adaption since Shawshank Redemption. Mike Flanagan has perfectly combined nostalgia with tension, mystery, and suspense. The entire cast is superb. There are a number of surprises that will make King fans squeal with delight. #DoctorSleepOpens in a new tab pic.twitter.com/PhSDm6EZsZOpens in a new tab
— Scott Menzel (@TheOtherScottM) October 25, 2019Opens in a new tab
Fans of #TheShiningOpens in a new tab are really gonna love #DoctorSleepOpens in a new tab. It’s at its best when its fueled by follow-up. Starts slowly and descends into madness, just like its predecessor. One specific scene is really horrifying, some solid scares, and good performances across the board. pic.twitter.com/NnHcq1ia8QOpens in a new tab
— Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) October 25, 2019Opens in a new tab
It seems the recreation of scenes from Kubrick’s film are pretty spot on, although the trailers already gave that part away.
Doctor Sleep is a well crafted, very creepy and often scary thriller that cleverly recreates moments and sets from The Shining. The cast is great, especially young Kyliegh Curran. Definitely a big thumbs up for the film from me. pic.twitter.com/EJvuMaMPTcOpens in a new tab
— My Halloween Name Is Jim Vejvoda (@JimVejvoda) October 25, 2019Opens in a new tab
#DoctorSleepOpens in a new tab is an IMMENSELY satisfying and PERFECTLY adapts the tone of Kings book. An adult psycho-drama with an abundance of emotionally satisfying and crowd pleasing thrills, watch on the biggest screen and as many times humanly possible!
— Christophe Aguilar de Travestão (2018-2018) (@ItsChrisAguilar) October 25, 2019Opens in a new tab
Horror director (and Doctor Strange helmer) Scott Derickson also had some pretty high praise.
Last night I saw and loved DOCTOR SLEEP. A truly spellbinding story — scary, shockingly transgressive in places, wildly unpredictable, and dense with highly satisfying ties to the original SHINING film. @flanaganfilmOpens in a new tab avoids imitation of Kubrick; instead he channels @stephenkingOpens in a new tab.
— N O S ⋊ Ɔ I ᴚ ᴚ Ǝ ᗡ ⊥ ⊥ O Ɔ S (@scottderrickson) October 22, 2019Opens in a new tab
I watched #DoctorSleepOpens in a new tab on Monday. I was completely floored by how @flanaganfilmOpens in a new tab was able to tie the book to The Shining universe that already exists on screen. Fans will be surprised by this movie — in a good way. So many little details that will make Constant Readers giddy! pic.twitter.com/N4Vw9QudQaOpens in a new tab
— John SaaV’Ger ?? (@johnsjr9) October 25, 2019Opens in a new tab
More love for Ferguson, but also Ewan McGregor as the adult Danny Torrance.
#DoctorSleepMovieOpens in a new tab: A hallucinogenic horrorscape, @flanaganfilmOpens in a new tab channels King’s waking nightmares & familial trauma artfully. Crafts visceral, disquieting dread not too dissimilar to Kubrick’s masterpiece. McGregor & Ferguson give perfectly pitched performances.@DoctorSleepFilmOpens in a new tab pic.twitter.com/IF6YJhDBTzOpens in a new tab
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) October 25, 2019Opens in a new tab
With so many Stephen King adaptations lately, it would seem like Doctor Sleep might get lost in the shuffle. Instead, it seems to rise to the top.
It’s been a great yr for Stephen King adaptations but I think #DoctorSleepOpens in a new tab is the best of the bunch. Thrilled me in ways I wasn’t expecting, made me emotional at times & Rebecca Ferguson is ferocious. What a wonderful celebration of Kubrick, King & @flanaganfilmOpens in a new tab’s career as well. pic.twitter.com/jQ8ktEeUVEOpens in a new tab
— Heatherface Wixson (@thehorrorchick) October 25, 2019Opens in a new tab
#DoctorSleepOpens in a new tab is The Shining sequel King fans have been waiting for. Kyliegh Curran is a star in the making & Rebecca Ferguson is downright terrifying. Flanagan beautifully meshes Danny Torrance’s haunting past w/ the now present, resulting in the best King adaptation of the year pic.twitter.com/g3iEOt7iyGOpens in a new tab
— Samhain ?? (@shannon_mcgrew) October 25, 2019Opens in a new tab
I will note that there are substantial differences between the #DoctorSleepOpens in a new tab book and the film, but I think the changes that were made in the script to accommodate the story make absolute sense and will make it easier for the audience to digest what plays out onscreen.
— Scare-a Musn-icky ? (@sarahmusnicky) October 25, 2019Opens in a new tab
At least one early viewer seems the movie lacks enough memorable scares, but still enjoys it overall.
Doctor Sleep will likely give The Shining fans everything they’d want from a sequel (and some things they probably didn’t). #RebeccaFergusonOpens in a new tab is wonderful and it all looks utterly gorgeous, but it’s not perfect and needs more memorable scares. #DoctorSleepMovieOpens in a new tab pic.twitter.com/M2jomtq8eEOpens in a new tab
— Digital Spy (@digitalspy) October 25, 2019Opens in a new tab
All of this is enough to squash one’s cynicism and start booking their rooms at the Overlook Hotel. It seems our new master of horror is Mike Flanagan. Now, where do we sign up for his decades later follow up to Salem’s Lot?
Images: Warner Brothers
