As a horror enthusiast with over three decades of film-watching under my belt, I can confidently say that “The Mist” is one of the most chilling and impactful movies I’ve ever seen. The 2007 adaptation, directed by Frank Darabont, masterfully brings Stephen King’s dark tale to life with an ending that leaves a lasting impression.
The following article contains spoilers.
The 2007 Movie Version of “The Mist”, not only stands out as one of the top adaptations, but boasts an unforgettably startling conclusion among movie endings. For those eager to revisit the terror or discover it for the first time, the film will be available for streaming starting October 1st in certain regions. This 2007 Frank Darabont production is a timeless horror masterpiece that sets the stage perfectly for the onset of the eerie season. It serves as an excellent opening act for the horror marathons many will partake in throughout October.
Enthusiasts of the author can enjoy streaming “The Mist” for free on the streaming platform, but they’ll need to endure occasional ads sprinkled throughout. Interestingly, Tubi offers a variety of genres, yet horror has emerged as one of their strong suits. Without a doubt, their servers will be buzzing during the Halloween season.
What is The Mist About?
In “The Mist,” we follow the residents of Bridgton, Maine, as they cope with the aftermath of a terrifying storm that occurred the previous night. David Drayton, his wife Stephanie, and their son Billy reside on the outskirts of town, and they face a critical choice when they decide to venture into the local grocery store for necessities. Upon arrival, they notice the structure being encircled by an eerie mist, and soon uncover that there are sinister entities hiding in the shadows. However, the threats aren’t solely from the otherworldly creatures – human nature also reveals its darker side.
The movie is derived from a novella titled the same, which was published in a collection called “Dark Forces” in 1980. Stephen King later included an edited version of this novella in his own anthology, “Skeleton Crew,” released in 1985. Prior to directing another well-known King story, “The Shawshank Redemption,” Frank Darabont had been determined to bring this film adaptation to the big screen. Over a decade later, he got the opportunity not only to adapt King’s narrative but also to provide it with the memorable ending that the author hadn’t.
The Mist Ending: One of the Most Heartbreaking Moments in Cinema History
One reason why “The Mist” is often seen as Stephen King’s most harrowing adaptation lies in its bleak and hopeless conclusion, a common theme in adaptations of his works such as “Misery,” “Apt Pupil,” and “Thinner.” However, interestingly enough, the original ending for “The Mist” was more optimistic. In this version, David leaves with the other survivors, receiving a glimmer of hope over the radio that there are more survivors out there, suggesting that humanity might still have a chance.
Despite Darabont initially sticking to King’s original ending for “The Shawshank Redemption,” test audiences disliked it, leading to the addition of the scene where Andy and Red finally meet. However, when it came to altering the final ten minutes of “The Mist,” Darabont refused, resulting in a chilling conclusion that lingers after the movie’s end.
In the altered finale of the movie’s narrative, chaos ensues in the supermarket as destructive group behavior escalates, causing David and his son to be escorted away by three others. Upon learning that his wife has perished and their car is running out of fuel, they find themselves lost in a foggy landscape, facing what seem to be colossal creatures reminiscent of Cthulhu. With only four bullets remaining in his gun, David contemplates sacrificing himself and the others—including his son—to avoid an agonizing demise at the hands of these monsters.
Following four gunshots, David exits the vehicle, mourning over his actions and bracing for the monster to claim him. But, in a shocking turn of events, the menacing growls aren’t from a beast but rather soldiers storming into town to protect everyone from the danger. David is left on his knees, realizing that he had unwittingly killed his own son.
This surprising and shocking finale of the film struck hard, serving as its final blow to the already tensed viewers. The suddenness of such a bleak conclusion came as a surprise because the original story had a more hopeful and open-ended resolution. Interestingly, Stephen King’s adaptations usually wrap up with a glimmer of hope, but this ending was different. It’s safe to say that the unforgettable nature of The Mist‘s conclusion is something many viewers can attest to.
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2024-09-22 00:01