Review of 1922 (2017) by Thequietgamer — 19 Oct 2017

IT, Gerald's Game, and now 1922, This year has given us three great Stephen King film adaptations that have succeeded because the people behind them realized it's the story and characters that are important, not just the concept. Something that has always been the case when the author's works have made the jump to movie format. As far as that goes, 1922 might just be the best of the three. It's incredibly compelling, dark, and intelligent. A horror movie for the thinking man. The story has a great way of getting under your skin. It's pretty slow-burn. We witness a man murder his wife and suffer the consequences of his sin. The movie takes the time to let us see how everything comes together, so that way it means more when everything falls apart. 1922 is subtly unnerving in it's quietness. The way it lets the tension build makes the more visceral thrills and gore all the more effective. There's an emotional gut punch brought on by just how well-acted and believable our leads are. Thomas Jane gives what is undoubtedly the best performance of his career in his third Stephen King adaptation, this one being the best of the bunch and easily his best movie thus far. This could very well open a door for him into more critically successful work in the future as he has really shown more talent here than one would likely expect looking back at his prior works.

1922 is a dark, gothic tale of deserved punishment. One where the characters are so human, and the situation so real, that one can't help but be sucked in by the power of it. The way the supernatural elements are handled make you wonder whether or not Jane is actually being haunted, or if the guilt and stress of what he's done is just driving him mad. The whole thing us very reminiscent of Poe's "The Tell-tale Heart" and other works of gothic fiction. There's both a brain and a beating heart behind the events you'll witness here, and witness them you should. 1922 is an incredible treat for horror fans because it's such a thoughtful work that takes the time to do things right. Every element is in place and masterfully crafted. Director Zak Hilditch should be applauded. He's created an incredible film and hands down one of the best adaptations of a Stephen King story. It's gripping all the way through.

9.