Author Ben Mears returns to his childhood home of Jerusalem’s Lot in search of inspiration for his next book only to discover his hometown is being preyed upon by a bloodthirsty vampire.
The 1979 television adaptation of Stephen King’s novel “Salem’s Lot,” directed by Tobe Hooper, has proven resilient in its reputation as the superior on-screen interpretation of this classic work of horror. Despite subsequent attempts at adaptation, including the 2004 version and this 2024 release, none have succeeded in replicating the masterful blend of suspense and terror achieved by Hooper’s original.
Unfortunately, while the latest iteration features a notable cast and commendable cinematography by Michael Burgess, it succumbs to the pitfalls of reliance on established horror conventions rather than endeavoring to craft a genuinely distinctive and unsettling viewing experience. The film’s rigid adherence to the anticipated narrative beats of modern horror cinema foregoes opportunities for innovation and audience subversion, a misstep particularly notable given the involvement of executive producer James Wan, acclaimed for his bold reimaginings within the genre.
The narrative adheres to the core plot of King’s novel, tracing author Ben Mears’ return to his hometown of Jerusalem’s Lot and his subsequent discovery of the town’s supernatural affliction. As Ben aligns with a small cohort of residents to challenge the malevolent forces, the story remains faithful to its source material yet lacks the daring and unpredictability requisite for a truly impactful horror experience.
While the cast delivers adequate performances, the characterization has undergone notable shifts in this adaptation, with Ben Mears assuming a less prominent role in deference to the youthful Mark Petrie. This alteration, coupled with a markedly different climactic confrontation, yields a conclusion that feels less foreboding and more formulaic than its 1979 precursor.
In conclusion, the 2024 adaptation of “Salem’s Lot” constitutes a visually accomplished yet narratively uninspired reiteration of a horror classic. It exemplifies the perils inherent in attempting to recapture the essence of a revered adaptation and underscores the necessity of introducing a novel, audacious vision when reinterpreting iconic works of the genre. As it stands, the 1979 “Salem’s Lot” remains the authoritative cinematic rendering of King’s masterpiece, a work whose unsettling power endures unabated.
“Salem’s Lot” debuts on MAX on Thursday, October 3rd
While I liked most of the 1974 version, the portrayal of Barlow as a dumb, Nosferatu-like vampire was such a departure from the novel that I found it lacking. 2004’s Rutger Hauer portrayal was much more in line with the Barlow character. Waiting to see how this version plays out.