Doctor Sleep: A Sequel That Struggles to Shine
Years after the terrifying events at the Overlook Hotel, Danny Torrance is a grown man haunted by his past. He seeks solace in alcohol, hoping to suppress his “shine,” but his life spirals downward. A ghostly encounter with his old friend Dick Hallorann pulls him from the brink, guiding him toward a new life where he uses his abilities for good. He even finds a kindred spirit in a young “shining” girl through correspondence.
However, their peaceful existence is shattered when Rose the Hat, the leader of the True Knot, a cult that feeds on the “shine” of gifted children, sets her sights on the girl. Danny realizes he must protect her, which means confronting the ghosts of his past.
A Balancing Act Gone Wrong
“Doctor Sleep,” the sequel to “The Shining,” carried immense expectations. Director Mike Flanagan, known for his horror resume, seemed like the perfect choice, having adapted King’s work before and helmed the successful “The Haunting of Hill House.” Yet, something went awry. The film faced the daunting task of pleasing both Kubrick’s film fans and the “book is better” crowd, a delicate balance that proved difficult to maintain. This attempt to cater to both audiences ultimately became the film’s downfall.
The two-and-a-half-hour runtime feels excessive, with a significant portion dedicated to Danny’s struggle with addiction. However, this storyline is drawn out and preachy, resembling an endless Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.
Unnecessary Imitation
The film’s decision to recreate iconic moments from Kubrick’s “The Shining” feels misguided. These attempts to emulate a cinematic master fall flat, especially considering the visual differences between “Doctor Sleep” and “The Shining.” These scenes feel like forced nostalgia, as if the film is saying, “Remember how awesome it was when Jack Nicholson broke down the door with an axe? Good times!” However, they clash with the overall tone of the film. By the end, “Doctor Sleep” becomes a horror film for all the wrong reasons, not because of its atmosphere or gore, but because of the sheer dread of what’s unfolding on screen.
Lack of Tension
While “The Shining” masterfully built tension without relying on jump scares or cheap horror tactics, “Doctor Sleep” lacks the inventiveness to create any real suspense. The ghost in the bathtub, who becomes tiresome by her fifth appearance, gets more screen time than Jacob Tremblay, and her appearances elicit awkward laughter rather than genuine fear. The other Overlook Hotel inhabitants suffer a similar fate, appearing as worn-down versions of their former terrifying selves.
A Standout Performance
The one bright spot in this otherwise underwhelming film is Rebecca Ferguson’s captivating performance as Rose the Hat. She infuses her antagonist with so much charisma that you’ll find yourself tempted to join the dark side just to spend more time with her. While Ewan McGregor and Kyliegh Curran deliver solid performances, their characters are easily forgettable compared to Ferguson’s brilliance.
Flanagan caught a break when Stephen King, who famously dislikes Kubrick’s adaptation of “The Shining,” supported “Doctor Sleep” before its release, offering some kind words. Perhaps it was just promotion, but one can hope that King finally found closure with his Kubrick-related issues. However, viewers might need to cleanse their palates after watching this film.