Cast: Lewis Pullman, Makenzie Leigh, Alfre Woodard, Bill Camp, John Benjamin Hickey, Nicholas Crovetti
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Director: Gary Dauberman
In Irish Cinemas: Now
Stephen King’s prolific body of work has been a rich source of inspiration for television and film adaptations since he began his writing career. Many of these adaptations have become iconic, with classics like The Shawshank Redemption and IT earning their place in cinematic history. However, not every adaptation has met with the same success; some have struggled to resonate with audiences and have faded into obscurity. The most recent adaptation of King’s second novel, ‘Salem’s Lot, appears to be heading toward the latter fate. Despite the novel’s chilling narrative and enduring popularity, early indications suggest that this new rendition may not fully capture the essence of King’s storytelling, leaving fans wary of its potential impact.
Lewis Pullman takes on the role of a struggling writer who returns to his hometown, Jerusalem’s Lot, in search of creative inspiration. Hoping the familiar surroundings will rekindle his passion for storytelling, he instead uncovers a sinister truth lurking beneath the surface. A creeping horror is slowly overtaking the once-quiet town as its residents are transformed into vampires. Realising the growing danger, he bands with a small, determined group of locals, each with their reasons for fighting back. Together, they must confront the supernatural threat before their beloved town is consumed by darkness.
Director Gary Dauberman’s choice to set the story in the mid-1970s, aligning it with the era of the novel’s original release, initially adds a nostalgic, retro appeal. However, this charm quickly fades, leaving the setting feeling more like a decorative backdrop than a source of sustained intrigue. The tension never quite reaches the heights of the iconic 1979 television adaptation, which firmly entrenched the story in popular culture. Instead, the shared period only serves as a reminder of what this modern retelling struggles to capture—a sense of gripping suspense and cultural impact that made the earlier version so memorable.
A few moments send shivers down your spine, and the plot throws in enough unexpected twists to keep even seasoned horror fans on their toes. However, much of the experience feels like a rehash of old horror tropes, relying on vampires that lack true menace and characters that fail to form meaningful connections. The overall effect is more nostalgic than terrifying, with familiar elements that don’t quite come together to create something fresh or memorable.
Lewis Pullman, son of renowned actor Bill Pullman, embodies the stoic yet troubled protagonist ideal for a Stephen King adaptation. However, his portrayal lacks the depth it could have had with more robust support from his otherwise talented co-stars. Alfre Woodard, portraying a jaded local doctor, and John Benjamin Hickey, as an alcoholic priest, deliver competent performances but fail to elevate Pullman’s character, leaving his role feeling somewhat one-dimensional. “Salem’s Lot,” released on Max in the U.S., unfortunately, leans more into generic streaming content rather than achieving the chilling, timeless atmosphere that Stephen King’s horror classic deserves. In all the worst ways, it feels more like another formulaic offering than a haunting and memorable adaptation.
Overall: 5.5/10
Movie Reviewer
