Stanley Kubrick’s interpretation of The Shining has famously diverged from author Stephen King’s original vision, with significant alterations made under Kubrick’s direction. Notably, the topiary animals were replaced with a hedge maze, and the hotel (spoiler alert!) does not explode as depicted in the book. Consequently, when Stephen King released Doctor Sleep in 2013, it drew its inspiration from the novel The Shining (or Varsel, as it is known in Swedish) published in 1977, rather than Kubrick’s film adaptation. This presents a unique challenge in crafting a sequel that honors Kubrick’s cinematic style while remaining faithful to King’s literary source material.
Danny (Ewan McGregor), now an adult, has unfortunately mirrored his father’s struggles, battling severe alcoholism. He leads a transient existence, occasionally haunted by apparitions from his past. Having suppressed his Shine, he largely lives a conventional life. Following a particularly difficult night, he seeks refuge from the city in the quiet countryside. His bus journey leads him to a small town where he encounters Billy Freeman (Cliff Curtis), who provides assistance with housing and introduces him to Alcoholics Anonymous. Simultaneously, a young girl named Abra Stone (Kyliegh Curran) emerges, possessing powers akin to Danny’s, forging an unexpected connection between them. Meanwhile, a malevolent group known as the True Knot, who sustain themselves by consuming the life force of individuals with the Shine, becomes aware of our protagonists through their leader, Rose The Hat (Rebecca Ferguson).
Reviewing this film presents a challenge, as it necessitates navigating potential spoilers for both Doctor Sleep and The Shining. However, I will endeavor to provide a comprehensive assessment. One of the film’s significant strengths lies in director Mike Flanagan’s meticulous recreation of Kubrick’s visual aesthetic, demonstrating a clear appreciation for the source material. From the cinematography to the iconic score, Flanagan’s attention to detail is evident. He has also skillfully woven together a narrative that caters to both fans of the book and the film, even incorporating elements that were absent from the initial cinematic adaptation.
Ewan McGregor delivers a compelling performance in the central role, adeptly balancing the character’s complexities. Rebecca Ferguson (Mission Impossible: Fallout) embodies a chilling presence as Rose the Hat, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Newcomer Kyliegh Curran impresses with her remarkable on-screen presence, demonstrating a talent rarely seen.
Doctor Sleep opens in the immediate aftermath of the events at The Overlook Hotel, requiring the portrayal of younger versions of Danny and other characters. Given the four-decade gap between the films, two approaches were available: digitally de-aging the original actors, as seen with varying degrees of success in Terminator: Dark Fate, Ant Man and The Wasp, and Aquaman, or casting new actors. Doctor Sleep opts for the latter, in my opinion, the stronger choice. While a perfect physical match for Shelly Duvall is unattainable, Alex Essoe captures Wendy Torrance’s voice and mannerisms with remarkable accuracy, achieving a convincing portrayal. Roger Dale Floyd delivers a commendable performance as young Danny, and I will refrain from revealing Henry Thomas’s role to preserve an element of surprise for the viewer.
Are there any shortcomings in the film? Despite my overwhelmingly positive assessment, certain aspects warrant critique. Notably, the film’s climax, while offering a nostalgic return to the Overlook Hotel, introduces some logical inconsistencies. The pristine condition of the hotel after 40 years of neglect strains credibility. Framing this as a vision of the hotel’s former glory might have mitigated this issue. Furthermore, despite the film’s extended runtime, the conclusion feels somewhat rushed, and the motivations of certain characters appear questionable.
The 30-minute Director’s Cut is included on a separate Blu-ray disc. This version provides additional context and incorporates a significant filming location that is absent from the theatrical release. Unfortunately, it is only available in 1080p resolution, not 4K.
The Ultra HD edition of the film boasts exceptional visual quality, presenting the Overlook Hotel in unprecedented detail. The sharpness and color accuracy are of reference-grade quality, enhanced by Dolby Vision, and the image remains free of artifacts across varying brightness levels. The Dolby Atmos sound design is equally impressive, delivering powerful bass when appropriate and creating an immersive soundscape during moments of suspense. I also appreciate well-crafted supplemental materials, and I’ve been pleased with the depth of extras included in recent releases. The Shining sequel continues this trend, offering informative documentaries that provide insightful behind-the-scenes perspectives.
In conclusion, I found Doctor Sleep to be a compelling and well-executed film. Despite the inherent risks in adapting such a beloved property, it ultimately succeeds. Coupled with a high-quality UHD edition, it earns a strong recommendation. While it may not surpass The Shining as a personal favorite, it stands as a worthy successor.
