“Doctor Sleep” is a 2019 horror film written and directed by Mike Flanagan, based on Stephen King’s 2013 novel of the same name, which serves as a sequel to his 1977 classic, The Shining. The movie stars Ewan McGregor as an adult Danny Torrance, who is still haunted by the traumatic events he experienced as a child at the Overlook Hotel. In this film, Danny grapples with his psychic abilities, known as “the shining,” while facing new supernatural threats and confronting his past.
Plot Summary
Years after the traumatic events at the Overlook Hotel, Danny “Dan” Torrance (Ewan McGregor) has struggled to find peace. He battles with alcoholism as a way to suppress his powers and the haunting memories of his father, Jack Torrance. Eventually, Dan moves to a small town, where he achieves sobriety and finds work at a hospice, using his powers to comfort dying patients—earning him the nickname “Doctor Sleep.”
Dan’s quiet life is disrupted when he telepathically connects with a young girl named Abra Stone (Kyliegh Curran), who possesses an exceptionally strong “shining.” Abra is being hunted by a sinister cult known as the True Knot, led by the mysterious Rose the Hat (Rebecca Ferguson). This group feeds off the “steam” released by children who have the shining, which grants them prolonged life. Dan reluctantly decides to protect Abra, leading to a dangerous showdown with Rose and a return to the haunting Overlook Hotel.
Cast and Characters
- Ewan McGregor as Dan Torrance: A troubled man trying to escape his traumatic childhood while coming to terms with his psychic abilities.
- Rebecca Ferguson as Rose the Hat: The charismatic, predatory leader of the True Knot, who targets children with the shining to feed off their life force.
- Kyliegh Curran as Abra Stone: A young girl with a powerful shining, who connects with Dan and seeks his help in stopping the True Knot.
- Cliff Curtis as Billy Freeman: Dan’s friend and confidant, who helps him confront his past and protect Abra.
Themes and Tone
Doctor Sleep explores themes of trauma, redemption, and the battle between good and evil. The film addresses the psychological scars left by childhood trauma and the journey toward healing, as Dan learns to confront his fears and embrace his abilities. It also explores the idea of immortality and the moral costs associated with it, embodied by the vampiric True Knot cult. The movie’s tone is atmospheric and suspenseful, combining horror with a sense of personal growth and redemption.
Visual and Narrative Style
Flanagan combines modern horror elements with visual callbacks to Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of The Shining. The Overlook Hotel is faithfully recreated, with iconic scenes and locations providing continuity between the two films. The film uses intense lighting, atmospheric music, and visual effects to enhance the eerie and unsettling tone, especially during Dan and Abra’s psychic battles with Rose. The cinematography balances nostalgia with fresh, immersive horror visuals, providing both scares and depth to the storytelling.
Reception
Doctor Sleep received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised Flanagan’s ability to bridge King’s original novel with Kubrick’s iconic film. McGregor’s performance was lauded for bringing depth and nuance to the character of Dan Torrance, and Rebecca Ferguson’s portrayal of Rose the Hat received acclaim for adding a menacing yet charismatic antagonist to the story. Although it wasn’t a major box office success, the film has gained a strong following and is appreciated for its respectful treatment of both King’s novel and Kubrick’s film.
Legacy and Impact
Doctor Sleep stands out as a rare example of a successful sequel to a classic horror film. By incorporating elements of both King’s and Kubrick’s visions, Flanagan’s adaptation is seen as an homage to The Shining while also standing as a compelling story on its own. The film’s exploration of psychic powers, trauma, and personal growth adds a psychological layer that resonates with fans of horror and psychological thrillers alike.
In summary, Doctor Sleep is a haunting and thought-provoking continuation of The Shining, combining supernatural horror with a tale of redemption. With its strong performances, careful direction, and chilling atmosphere, it provides both a satisfying sequel and a standalone story that honors the legacy of Stephen King’s characters and the iconic Overlook Hotel.
