Years following the events of “The Shining,” a now-adult Dan Torrance meets a young girl with similar powers as he tries to protect her from a cult known as The True Knot who prey on children with powers to remain immortal.
Directed and adapted for the screen by Mike Flanagan from Stephen King’s novel of the same name, “Doctor Sleep” might just be a love it or hate it affair. Flanagan continues to amass a fine body of work that includes the well-regarded television series “The Haunting of Hill House,” among other efforts.
“Doctor Sleep” begins after the tragedy at the Overlook Hotel, where young Danny Torrance and his mother seek to come to terms with horrific past events. Years later, Ewan McGregor as Danny Torrance, now grown up, continues to face some of the same demons his father famously did – most notably with alcoholism. We find Torrance roaming from town to town drinking and fighting, apparently seeking some sort of redemption to little avail. At what seems like the end of his long road, Cliff Curtis as Billy Freeman befriends Torrance and offers much-needed assistance in the form of a job and a place to stay.
Rebecca Ferguson provides a mesmerizing presence as Rose the Hat, leader of the True Knot, a gang of vampire-like immortals who feed off the “steam” of those who possess varying degrees of “shining” – telepathic, empathetic or other psychokinetic abilities. Perhaps best known for her work in past and upcoming “Mission Impossible” films, Ferguson moves across the screen with the confidence of a preening cat. Her motley crew of quasi-immortals roam the United States – invariably in the remotest of locales – in search of fresh sources of steam. Zahn McClarnon, primarily appearing in series television work, turns in a crisp performance as Crow Daddy, Rose’s number two and presumptive lover. Emily Alyn Lind as Snakebite Andi proves an alluring predator, shaming married men that attempt to seduce her online.
Kyliegh Curran as Abra Stone constitutes the centerpiece for this gripping movie. Her charming innocence juxtaposed periodically with steely-eyed determination serves up just the right blend of emotions required for the role. Abra’s shine enables her to see the dastardly and heinous acts committed by the True Knot, which in turn sets the group on her trail.
Bruce Greenwood clocks in all too briefly as Dr. John, who shepherds an estimable group of Alcoholics Anonymous members, all reformed despite previous transgressions. Greenwood’s reassuring demeanor soothes Danny’s spirit with palpable sincerely and warmth.
Much has been made of the recreated elements in “Doctor Sleep” from Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.” Indeed, some effects and settings do come literally lifted from the original canvas. In other instances, washed-out lighting imbues an eerily Kubrickian palate. Nonetheless, these fleeting homages enhance rather than detract from the enthralling narrative, richly complimenting “The Shining” in both its cinematic and novel formats.
Flanagan also recreates characters from the original film to good effect. Carl Lumbly steps in admirably for Scatman Crothers as Dick Hallorann. Alex Essor as Wendy Torrance channels Shelley Duvall superbly. As an interesting touch, Henry Thomas stands in for a young Jack Nicholson in a few scenes as Jack Torrance. Roger Dale Floyd portrays a young Danny nicely as well.
A two-and-a-half-hour runtime may put some viewers off, but the length allows the plot to unfold with the time necessary to develop the extensive cast of characters. Although deliberately paced, more than a few moments in “Doctor Sleep” will jolt audiences out of any complacency. Well-timed and welcome nervous humor pops up occasionally, while other aspects of the production deeply satisfy.
In some ways, “Doctor Sleep” as a follow-up to “The Shining” may represent a dilemma similar to that of the often-disparaged “Hannibal” as a sequel to “Silence of the Lambs.” Critics looking for a remake of the Kubrick classic may fail to appreciate the craftsmanship embodied in this splendid effort that relates a disquieting tale with poise and assurance.
In Theaters Friday, November 8th
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