Read The Mist Book Before The Movie to Avoid Disappointment

With Stephen King’s horror novels, it often doesn’t matter if you read the original material before watching the adaptations. In fact, many people are introduced to films like “The Shining” and “It” prior to reading their book versions. Watching these movies first doesn’t diminish the enjoyment of King’s narratives. Quite the contrary, there are usually differences between the two that make it rewarding to read both. Moreover, regardless of whether you’ve seen the adaptations or not, King’s books consistently deliver due to their exceptional craftsmanship.

Before watching the movie, it’s recommended to read a specific Stephen King book first, as the movie adaptation surpasses the book in this instance, particularly in its ending. Viewers might be left feeling let down if they read the book after experiencing the movie’s climax, as the novel’s conclusion doesn’t quite measure up. While the book’s ending is still satisfying, the film’s ending is even more compelling and could potentially set unrealistic expectations for those who approach the story through the book after seeing the movie.

You Should Read The Mist Before Seeing The Movie (Otherwise You’ll Be Disappointed)

Seeing The 2007 Film First Might Set Readers Up For Disappointment

One of Stephen King’s finest novellas, “The Mist,” significantly strengthens his 1985 collection, “Skeleton Crew.” The story revolves around David Drayton, who finds himself trapped in a grocery store as a deadly fog envelops his small town in Maine. With its gripping premise, the novel effectively maintains suspense throughout. David’s plight is compounded by being separated from his wife, needing to safeguard his son, and dealing with the growing discord among the people sheltering within the store.

King skillfully manages everything in this novel, making “The Mist” a compelling tale from his extensive collection of works. However, it’s advisable to read it prior to Frank Darabont’s 2007 film adaptation, as the movie encapsulates all the merits of Stephen King’s original work, but boasts a superior ending. While deviating from the source material is usually discouraged in adaptations, it works exceptionally well for the 2007 film. The ending of “The Mist” has gained iconic status due to its modifications, making the story all the more harrowing.

Since the movie’s ending is more poignant and heart-wrenching than the book’s, people who watch the film initially might anticipate a similar outcome in Stephen King’s story. While King’s conclusion stands alone as satisfactory, the movie might create unrealistic expectations, potentially leading to disappointment for the readers.

Why The Mist’s Movie Ending Is Better Than The Book’s

It’s Even More Horrifying & Pays Off The Rest Of The Story Better

In the story of The Mist, the most significant distinction between the book and the film lies in the conclusion, particularly for the characters David, Billy, and their companions. While both versions lead the group out from the safety of the grocery store into the lethal mist, the novel by Stephen King leaves the characters’ fates uncertain, ending with David receiving a radio message hinting at potential safety in Hartford. The story doesn’t show the group reaching this supposed safe haven, but they’re still alive when the book concludes. Conversely, the film chooses a more somber path for these characters, suggesting a tragic outcome.

In “The Mist” film, David’s group receives a bleak farewell as they keep driving through the fog until their car runs out of fuel, leaving them stranded. When they realize there’s no other escape, the group decides their only option is to end their lives. David kills Billy and the others, but when he tries to take his own life, the gun is empty. Shortly after, the military arrives, the fog lifts, and David must live with the consequences of his actions.

This ending surpasses King’s original in terms of horror and emotional resonance, providing a sense of resolution not found in the novel “The Mist.” Although some may prefer the ambiguity of the original ending for its lighter tone, this conclusion aligns better with the story’s overall mood. Moreover, Mrs. Carmody’s relentless demand for sacrifice plays a crucial role in reaching this climax, effectively tying up a significant thread from King’s narrative in a chilling manner.

Even Stephen King Agrees That The Mist Adaptation Has A Great Ending

The Author Liked The Changes To The Original Story

The exceptional ending of the movie “The Mist” is a testament to its quality, as even Stephen King himself acknowledged the improvements. Often, film adaptations of books disappoint their authors, but King praised this rendition of his novella (as reported by CinemaBlend). He admitted that he was supportive of the changes made in this adaptation.

When Frank expressed his intention to carry out the conclusion he had in mind, I fully agreed with him. I thought it was fantastic. And it was so unconventional – almost defying all Hollywood norms! It was a nihilistic approach. I found it intriguing, so I told him to proceed and execute it.

It’s fantastic that we have two versions of “The Mist” – the novel and the 2007 film. The ending of the movie has gained significant praise since its release, but the novella remains equally valuable. If you want to fully enjoy both, it would be better to read the book after watching the movie, as the film may set high expectations that might influence your reading experience.

2025-04-28 05:01