If you’re a fan of horror movies, you might be wondering whether “Doctor Sleep” is worth the watch. The film, directed by Mike Flanagan, is based on the novel by Stephen King and serves as a sequel to his famous book “The Shining.”
But is it actually scary? Let’s take a closer look.
The Plot
“Doctor Sleep” follows the story of Danny Torrance, who has grown up since the events of “The Shining” and now struggles with alcoholism and PTSD. He eventually meets a young girl named Abra who shares his psychic abilities, and together they must fight a group of vampire-like beings who feed on children with similar powers.
The Atmosphere
One of the strengths of “Doctor Sleep” is its ability to recreate the eerie atmosphere of “The Shining.” From the opening shot, we’re transported back to the Overlook Hotel with its iconic carpet and winding hallways. The music also plays a huge role in setting the mood – composer The Newton Brothers use familiar themes from “The Shining” but also introduce new elements that add to the tension.
The Horror
But what about the actual scares? While “Doctor Sleep” isn’t as outright terrifying as some horror movies out there, it still has plenty of creepy moments.
The vampire-like creatures known as the True Knot are unsettling in their appearance and actions – they travel in RVs and hunt down children for their psychic energy. There are also some jump scares sprinkled throughout that will make you jump out of your seat.
Overall
So, is “Doctor Sleep” worth watching if you’re looking for a scary movie? The answer is yes – while it may not be as outright terrifying as some horror films out there, it still has plenty of chilling moments and an atmosphere that will stick with you.
Plus, if you’re a fan of “The Shining,” you’ll appreciate the nods to the original film and the way it expands on its mythology. Give it a watch, but maybe leave the lights on afterwards.
- Pros: Great atmosphere, solid performances, expands on “The Shining”
- Cons: Not as outright scary as some horror films
In conclusion, “Doctor Sleep” is a worthy sequel to “The Shining” that manages to capture its eerie atmosphere while also introducing new elements. While not the scariest horror movie out there, it still has plenty of chilling moments and is worth watching for fans of the genre and Stephen King’s work.
