One of Stephen King’s Most Underrated Movies is Coming to Streaming

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As a seasoned film critic with a soft spot for suspenseful dramas and a penchant for tales that delve deep into human nature, I wholeheartedly recommend “Dolores Claiborne” to any discerning viewer. This underrated gem from the ’90s, directed by Taylor Hackford, is a crime thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat while tugging at your heartstrings.

In September, you can stream one of Stephen King’s finest film adaptations, “Dolores Claiborne,” on Max. This movie, helmed by Taylor Hackford (known for movies like “The Devil’s Advocate”, “Ray”, and “An Officer and a Gentleman”), is a 1995 crime thriller that originated from Stephen King’s 1992 novel of the same title. The screenplay for this big-screen adaptation was penned by Tony Gilroy.

In the ’90s, this often overlooked drama-thriller focuses on Dolores Claiborne, a caretaker who finds herself in the thick of a murder investigation when the elderly woman she looks after passes away under mysterious circumstances. Dolores’ daughter, Selena, returns to the isolated island where they both grew up, offering her support during a detective’s attempt to incarcerate Dolores for the crime. It doesn’t take long for the past to resurface and trouble them both as Dolores’ late husband, Joe, also met an untimely end, with Dolores always being the main suspect in his death.

According to The Wrap, the movie in question is a part of Max’s growing collection of contemporary masterpieces, which also includes films such as Badlands (1973), JFK (1991), Marathon Man (1976), and The Conversation (1974), to name a few. At present, Dolores Claiborne can be rented or purchased on streaming platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV+.

The movie “Dolores Claiborne” features a stellar cast including Kathy Bates, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Christopher Plummer, Judy Parfitt, John C. Reilly, David Strathairn, and others. This film was well-received by audiences, earning over $45 million from an initial investment of $13 million. Despite not being heavily marketed as a Stephen King horror, it had a solid reason for this, and the movie garnered critical acclaim with many still considering it one of the finest King adaptations. The Tomatometer score for this film stands at 85%, and it boasts an audience approval rating of 82%.

Dolores Claiborne: One of Stephen King’s Best “Sober” Films

Among all the diverse genres and subgenres in Stephen King’s extensive literary and cinematic oeuvre, it’s his knack for incorporating otherworldly elements, even into the most down-to-earth narratives, that truly sets him apart. However, “Dolores Claiborne” stands out as a unique exception to this rule, offering a tale about human nature that remains firmly rooted within the confines of a realistic film. As an ardent admirer, I find it captivating how King masterfully explores the complexities of humanity without resorting to supernatural elements in this compelling story.

In essence, the narrative of Dolores Claiborne delves into the grim realities of life, portraying harrowing incidents that are truly chilling. This gripping crime thriller revolves around the terror of trauma, with its initial premise setting a more frightening tone than Stephen King’s other horror tales. The audience is taken through Dolores’ tumultuous marriage, an ordeal that provokes discomfort and causes one to shield their eyes. Moreover, the film also highlights the terrifying prejudices society holds against women. The climax of Dolores’ journey (as depicted in both the novel and the movie) is particularly captivating.

As a devoted cinephile, I was no stranger to Stephen King’s realm when Kathy Bates stepped into the shoes of the enigmatic Dolores Claiborne in this riveting tale. Having already etched my name in film history with her Oscar-winning portrayal of the tormented Annie Wilkes in Rob Reiner’s adaptation of “Misery” back in 1990, it was Bates who truly captured my heart with her spellbinding performance as Dolores. Indeed, I can confidently say that among all roles I’ve embodied throughout my career, Dolores Claiborne remains my most cherished and memorable.

Dolores Claiborne
comes to Max on September 1.

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2024-08-23 01:03