Pet Sematary Review
7 / 10. A creepy and atmospheric adaptation of the 1983 novel, with some major differences that work fiendishly well *MINOR SPOILERS*
Pet Sematary is a dark supernatural horror film directed by Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer from a screenplay by Jeff Buhler and screen story Matt Greenberg. This is the second adaptation of the 1983 novel by Stephen King.
Dr Louis Creed and his family - wife Rachel, two young children, Ellie and Gage, and Ellie's cat, Church - relocate to rural Maine, and discover a deeply creepy and mysterious graveyard hidden in the woods near their new home, a “Pet Sematary” (spelt so as it’s a sign written by children).
After a horrific accident affects his family, Dr Creed speaks to his neighbour and friend, Jud Crandall, who tells him about the supernatural powers of the sacred ground at the graveyard. Then things really go downhill …
There are major differences from the 1989 film adaptation and 1983 book, in terms of who tragedy strikes first, the older child, Ellie, rather than toddler, Gage.
This change worked fiendishly well as there was more to work with, with a slightly older child. Ellie’s speech and actions upon her return to the family are psychologically unsettling for the family the family, in a build up to the horror which unfolds. Ellie was convincingly and effectively portrayed, in life and death, by Jete Laurence.
The special effects of the returned Ellie are effective, her rolling eye is especially creepy when she’s getting tucked in by her dad, and the bath time hair brushing scene is particularly gross and disturbing. There are also a few good jump scares.
The funeral procession of the children to the Pet Sematary near the beginning set the dark tone of the film and was a great scene.
Jason Clarke is good here as Dr Louis Creed, in a role different to most films I’ve seen him in. John Lithgow as Jud is great as expected, however, Amy Seimetz is a little flat as Rachel.
The mythology is intriguing and there are brief shots of newspaper clippings detailing the history and past strange occurrences, which leaves you wanting to see more than the snapshots they showed, and be able to read them.
Cats are scary enough at the best of times, and Church is a squiff-eyed menace.
Pet Sematary is a creepy, atmospheric adaptation of the famous King book, and this film features a grim, bleak ending which ties back to the opening scenes. I liked this ending better than the 1989 film adaptation.
“Sometimes dead is better.”