As a lifelong Stephen King enthusiast and a resident of Maine for over two decades, I can confidently say that Salem’s Lot holds a special place in my heart. With its chilling atmosphere and intricate storytelling, it’s no wonder that this small town has been terrorized by vampires more than once.
Among Stephen King’s numerous invented small-town names in Maine, Salem’s Lot could be considered the most appealing. It serves as the setting for his renowned novel bearing the same name, and also two subsequent short stories. In King’s book, this humble Maine town somehow attracts a ravenous vampire, transforming it into a tourist destination of a chilling kind. The film industry appears to be enamored with the name too, as evidenced by multiple adaptations of the novel, including the upcoming release of a new movie on October 3.
Previously, adaptations of “Salem’s Lot” were confined to television, except for a somewhat deviant sequel titled “Return to Salem’s Lot“. Many expected the recent adaptation to premiere on the silver screen. Unfortunately, the movie has been moved to streaming platforms (Max) instead. However, it’s more than just a compromise. Written and directed by Gary Dauberman (Annabelle Comes Home), this production offers some chills and an impressive cast dedicated to their roles. It appears that the decision to release it directly on streaming platforms might have been due to its smaller scale, as initially planned for a theatrical release. Regardless, with Halloween approaching, this is perfect timing for those who love spooky entertainment, ready to tune in with their remote controls at hand.
Do We Need Another Salem’s Lot?
In my opinion, it’s quite significant when one of Stephen King’s novels stands out among his extensive collection. His oeuvre is brimming with celebrated classics like “The Shining,” “The Stand,” and “Carrie.” Without a doubt, “Salem’s Lot” should be on this abridged list; it’s an intriguing blend of atmospheric mystery and thriller that immerses us in a chilling contemporary interpretation of vampires. Given its history of inspiring three adaptations, you can tell the foundation is solid. Perhaps another adaptation is needed, considering King himself seems to be a fan of this upcoming adaptation by Dauberman, who also wrote the screenplay for the latest big-screen version of “It” — yet another impressive addition to King’s repertoire.
The movie centers around Ben Mears, a native of Jerusalem’s Lot who is now returning as an adult author, seeking inspiration for his next book. At the same time, there’s a seemingly smooth entrepreneur named Richard Straker, played by Pilou Asbæk, who has arrived in town with a peculiar accent and an unexplained interest in establishing his business in this otherwise quiet corner of Maine.
A Lived-In Cast of Small Townsfolk
Of course, King’s readers are aware of the ominous undertones in Straker’s plans, but this doesn’t ruin the story; instead, it adds an intriguing contrast to the kind-hearted persona of the townsfolk who maintain the town’s tranquility and safety. The town’s charm lies in its warm, endearing inhabitants who form a supportive ensemble.
The comfortable citizens of Jerusalem’s Lot include the fatherly Matthew Burke (Bill Camp, returning to the King-verse following HBO’s The Outsider), who is pals with Dr. Cody (the timeless Alfre Woodard) and local grave-digger Mike Ryerson (grown-up child actor Spencer Treat Clark), whose profession requires him to brush shoulders with alcoholic pastor Father Callahan (John Benjamin Hickey) — and also with, quite possibly, the undead, who’d prefer not to stay buried, of course. Plus, the youngsters (such as Goodnight Mommy star Nicholas Crovetti) hold their own against the evil forces at bay.
Among this small group of characters, it’s Susan Norton, portrayed by the captivating Makenzie Leigh (in The Assistant), who truly stands out. Given that we’re dealing with a vampire movie, as soon as she appears on screen, her distinctively alluring appearance and unusual complexion pique curiosity about whether Susan might be concealing her monstrous nature amid the everyday.
The Horror Works, But There’s Not Enough of It
In this quaint small-town setting, Dauberman seems to overemphasize coziness, making it feel a bit confined. As a result, our attention is largely on the townsfolk, leaving us craving more encounters with the mysterious, enigmatic vampire and deeper insights into the protagonist’s personality.
The finale of the movie is typical for vampire-thriller genres, but with a twist: the characters are aware of what vampires are and even refer to ancient texts to combat them. In most films, characters don’t use terms like “vampire” or “zombie”, so it’s refreshing to see this self-aware style in “Salem’s Lot“.
One of the advantages of Salem’s Lot lies in Dauberman’s skillful portrayal of characters transforming into vampires following their tragic demise, without revealing any spoilers. The movie excels particularly well in creating a chilling, suspenseful atmosphere as likable characters grapple with losing their sanity and memories amidst a world gradually transitioning into the night. Although it may lean more towards setting an eerie mood than outright scaring, it culminates in a truly distressing finale that’s worth applauding. Mark your calendars, as Salem’s Lot will be available for streaming on Max starting October 3. Here is the link to watch it: [Stream Salem’s Lot on Max]
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2024-09-26 07:31