Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Misery (1990)
Horrifying, in an insidiously subtle way.
"Misery" (1990) is a thrilling movie that grips you and refuses to let you go. Rob Reiner masterfully brings Stephen King's "Misery" to life on the big screen. The majority of the movie unfolds in a single location, focusing on just two actors. While this setup is typically a low-budget opportunity for newbie directors to showcase their skills, Reiner astonishingly managed to spend a whopping 20 million dollars on this production.
Given the minimalistic location and cast, it's evident that a significant portion of the budget must have been allocated to the exceptional writing and stellar performances. The two main actors hold the viewer in a vice-like grip with their intense performances. The script, adapted from Stephen King's novel, keeps one on the edge of their seat throughout the duration of the film.
The power of "Misery" lies in its simplicity. It doesn't rely on the standard tricks of the horror genre, but rather on the strength of its performances and the sharpness of its script. The chilling narrative and the intense performances will keep you riveted from start to finish.
Rob Reiner's adaptation of Stephen King's "Misery" is a prime example of how a thriller should be executed. It's not about how many characters you have, or how many locations you can shoot in. It's about creating tension and suspense, and on that front, "Misery" delivers in spades.
The film might not be a showcase for extravagant spending, but it's a masterclass in suspense, narrative tension, and character development. And at the end of the day, isn't that what truly good cinema is all about?
- You're uncomfortable with scenes of physical torture.
- You have a fear of confined spaces or claustrophobia.
- Violence or brutality causes you distress.
- You're under the age of 18 - The Motion Picture Association of America rated this movie R (Restricted), therefore it's unsuitable for children.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Misery," huh? I mean, here's a guy, Paul Sheldon, who goes out to the middle of nowhere to write a novel, and what does he get? A car crash, two broken legs, and a psycho fan who's more into hobbling than book signings. It's like the world’s worst AirBnB experience!
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Those who love "Misery" (1990) will also love "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991) because both movies expertly blend suspense and psychological thriller elements to create a gripping narrative. Both films feature powerful performances from their lead actors, with Kathy Bates in "Misery" and Anthony Hopkins in "The Silence of the Lambs," whose characters instill fear and fascination in equal measure. Moreover, both movies explore the theme of imprisonment and psychological manipulation, offering viewers an intense, dark, and immersive cinematic experience.
The Shining (1980)Both movies, "Misery" (1990) and "The Shining" (1980), are adapted from Stephen King's masterful novels and expertly delve into the psyche of their main characters while they descend into madness, trapped and isolated. The suspense and psychological horror, combined with a compelling story and outstanding performances (Kathy Bates in "Misery" and Jack Nicholson in The Shining), create a chilling atmosphere that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. These two films showcase the art of building tension and fear, making them a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and horror.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)Though seemingly disparate in genre, "Misery" (1990) and "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" (1971) both delve into the exploration of eccentric characters and their psychological nuances in isolated, confined settings. The suspense and psychological horror in "Misery," embodied by Annie Wilkes' obsession over her favorite author, find echoes in the eccentric Willy Wonka's manipulation and control over his chocolate factory and its visitors. Moreover, both films showcase the tension between the allure of fantasy and the harsh reality, presenting a thrilling journey for the audience.
Cape Fear (1962)Both "Misery" and "Cape Fear" are psychological thrillers with compelling narratives that revolve around obsession, manipulation, and survival. Misery's story of a fan's dangerous obsession with a novelist parallels Cape Fear's plot of a convicted rapist seeking revenge against the lawyer he holds responsible for his imprisonment. They both offer intense performances, psychological suspense, and a cat-and-mouse dynamic that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, making both films a must-watch for fans of gripping and suspenseful narratives.
Poltergeist (1982)Those who love "Misery" (1990) will also love "Poltergeist" (1982) due to the shared elements of suspense, psychological terror, and supernatural elements. Both films expertly blend reality with the unimaginable, creating an atmosphere of eerie tension that keeps viewers on edge. The excellent storytelling, strong performances, and unexpected plot twists in each film make them classics in the horror/thriller genre, appealing to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted, suspenseful narrative that delves into the darker aspects of the human experience and beyond.
Fatal Attraction (1987)"Misery" (1990) and "Fatal Attraction" (1987) are thrilling psychological dramas that revolve around seemingly ordinary characters who become trapped by obsessive and dangerously unstable individuals. The two films share intense atmospheres, stellar performances (Kathy Bates in "Misery" and Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction), and plots filled with tension and suspense. They delve deep into the twisted psychology of their antagonists, making for a chilling and unsettling viewing experience. Therefore, fans of the edge-of-your-seat terror in "Misery" would likely appreciate the similar themes and suspenseful storytelling in Fatal Attraction.
The Accused (1988)Both "Misery" (1990) and "The Accused" (1988) are gripping psychological dramas that delve deep into the human psyche, offering intense performances by their leading ladies - Kathy Bates in "Misery" and Jodie Foster in "The Accused." These movies explore themes of victimhood, survival, and the struggle for justice, capturing the raw emotion and resilience of their respective characters. Furthermore, both films don't shy away from depicting the harsh realities of their stories, ensuring a suspenseful and emotionally charged viewing experience.
Million Dollar Baby (2004)Buffs of "Misery" (1990) will also appreciate "Million Dollar Baby" (2004) due to their shared themes of perseverance, survival, and the exploration of the human spirit when confronted with extreme circumstances. Both movies feature strong, resilient female characters driven by their determination and dreams, with impactful performances by Kathy Bates in "Misery" and Hilary Swank in "Million Dollar Baby." The suspense, psychological depth, and unexpected plot twists in both films further enhance their appeal to a similar audience.
Gone Girl (2014):'Gone Girl' is another gripping drama mystery. Featuring Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck, the movie explores the disappearance of a woman and her husband's efforts to find her. Expect a mixture of suspense, mystery, and intense character studies, much like 'Misery'.
Secret Window (2004):In the vein of 'Misery', and also based on a Stephen King novella, 'Secret Window' follows a writer in the midst of a painful divorce who is stalked by a potential plagiarist. Johnny Depp's performance as the disturbed writer and the film's plot twists create a similar atmosphere to 'Misery'.
Prisoners (2013):If you enjoyed Misery for its tension and suspense, 'Prisoners' is a great next watch. This movie follows the disappearance of several young girls, and the lengths one of their fathers (Hugh Jackman) goes to uncover the truth. It's a gritty, nail-biting exploration of crime, guilt, and desperation.
Like this? Then click here to see more thriller movies
