Review of Doctor Sleep (2019) by Compi24 — 10 Nov 2019

Much more dramatic thriller than traditional horror movie, "Doctor Sleep" finds burgeoning writer/director Mike Flanagan once again interpreting the oft-slippery literary stylings of Stephen King -- "slippery," in that directors will sometimes examine and get far too absorbed in trying to explain the esotericism of a King work to the audience.

In the case of "Doctor Sleep," Flanagan not only has to do this, but also has the thankless task of crafting a cinematic sequel to both "The Shining" book and film. Somehow, he's pulled it off, to a breathtakingly beautiful, imaginative, and gratifying degree.

For some of the sillier (yet unmistakably King) elements, Flanagan employs the K.I.S.S. method. Introduce the wackiness the same way you'd tear off a bandage. Just do it. Then, do it again, and again, and again, as if it's a normal part of the world, and the audience will fall in line.

It's brilliant. And, as for delivering a film that's both a sequel to "The Shining" novel and film, you're given the distinct notion that Flanagan doesn't feel shackled to either fate, ultimately presenting an intermediate of both options.

Homage to the Kubrick film here, obvious King-ism there. Distinctly familiar shot composition here, dynamic from the novel there. It's the only way it could've been done and I completely appreciate the care that's so evident in the approach.

This also has to be the most novel-like film I've seen in years, and, yes, that's a very good thing. It's a careful, deliberate burn, featuring a thoroughly engrossing narrative that's procedurally unfurled at a pace that feels just right.

The performances are inspired. The effects are terrific. Even, the intermittent moments of "fan-service" felt honest and earned. This may, in fact, be the surprise of the year for me. What a fantastic achievement.