Doctor Sleep may still be a few days away from release but it’s already being lauded as the ‘best Stephen King adaptation since Shawshank Redemption’ by critics.
The sequel to 1980 hit The Shining, Doctor Sleep is a psychological thriller starring Ewan McGregor, and is an adaptation of Stephen King’s 2013 novel of the same name.
Following on from where The Shining left off, Doctor Sleep sees Ewan take on the role of the now-adult Danny Torrance, son of Jack Nicholson’s character, Jack Torrance.
Danny is working to live a normal life while still dealing with the aftermath of what he experienced at the Overlook Hotel as a child (well, it does take a while to deal with ghosts and the walls pouring blood, of course).
He still maintains his ‘shining’ psychic abilities, however, his attempt at a normal life is sent awry when he encounters a teenager (played by Kyliegh Curran) who shares the ‘shine’ and begs for his help in defeating her own spectral antagonists, led by Rebecca Ferguson as Rose The Hat.
Although the film isn’t yet available in cinemas, critics’ reviews have been overwhelmingly positive about Doctor Sleep, with Collider’s editor hailing it: ‘Another trauma-fuelled emotional horror from Flanagan that made me ugly cry in public.
‘Understandably shakes up the book quite a bit, but keeps King’s heart right where it needs to be.’
Another critic added: ‘#DoctorSleep is The Shining sequel King fans have been waiting for. Kyliegh Curran is a star in the making & Rebecca Ferguson is downright terrifying.
‘Flanagan beautifully meshes Danny Torrance’s haunting past w/ the now present, resulting in the best King adaptation of the year.’
We Live Entertainment’s editor added: ‘Doctor Sleep is the best Stephen King adaption since Shawshank Redemption. Mike Flanagan has perfectly combined nostalgia with tension, mystery, and suspense.
‘The entire cast is superb. There are a number of surprises that will make King fans squeal with delight.’
High praise indeed, and fans will get to see what all the hype is about as it lands in UK cinemas this week.
Doctor Sleep will be released in the UK on 31 October.
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