Even for the most adapted living author, this fall is full to bursting with Stephen King adaptations on both the big screen and TV. However, King-a-mania stumbled a bit out of the gate with the critical drubbing of “The Dark Tower.” The problem with that film might have been its epic scale; King is arguably at his best when he takes a simple, claustrophobic premise and milks it for all it’s worth. If you agree with that statement, “Gerald’s Game” might be the King film for you. Here’s the synopsis:
When a harmless sex game between a married couple in a remote retreat suddenly becomes a harrowing fight for survival, wife Jessie must confront long-buried demons within her own mind – and possibly lurking in the shadows of her seemingly empty house. Among those she confronts are ghosts from her past and a rabid dog.
“One of the most nerve-wracking moments of my career was sending the first cut off for him to review,” director Mike Flanagan told EW today. “You know, he’s got strong opinions about how his work is adapted. It’s no secret how he feels about how Stanley Kubrick treated ‘The Shining.’ He came back very quickly and really loved the film. He sent me an email that — I’m not exaggerating — I actually printed, and framed, and have hung in my living room. That was one of the most gratifying moments of my career.”
There are plenty of reasons to be excited for this one. First, it’s an adaptation of a lesser-known novel, instead of trying to reboot a classic film. Second, the cast is led by the usually excellent Carla Gugino and Bruce Greenwood as the married couple. Third, “Gerald’s Game” has already been praised by King himself! King tweeted that the film was “hypnotic, horrifying and terrific” after seeing a rough cut, which can be considered pretty high praise from the guy who’s spent thirty years trashing Kubrick’s version of “The Shining.”
Directed by Mike Flanagan, “Gerald’s Game” will debut on Netflix on September 29.