Screw it, why stop at two? Let’s go for three Stephen King movies in a row! Misery has been on my mind lately because, *spoiler alert*, my costume for the studio’s Halloween festivities today is based on this gem of a movie. Misery is one of those movies that sticks with you. There’s a reason why Kathy Bates won the Oscar for best actress. She’s magnificent and terrifying. Here is the brief IMDB synopsis:
After a famous author is rescued from a car crash by a fan of his novels, he comes to realize that the care he is receiving is only the beginning of a nightmare of captivity and abuse.
“I’m your #1 fan.” Oh man, that line just hits. And while Kathy Bates is what most people remember about this movie—deservedly so—there is so much more to appreciate about this masterpiece. If you think about it, Misery really has it all. Book by Stephen King. Screenplay by William Goldman. Directed by Rob Reiner. I mean COME ON. That is an amazing pedigree all around. Beyond the amazing characters and twisty story, what makes Misery work so well comes down to the details. Every scene of this film is meticulously crafted, creating a suspense that is bar none. As an audience, when you see the tiny detail of Paul putting the penguin back the wrong direction, your entire stomach just sinks. It’s a small moment, but because of what’s been crafted, it feels like a punch to the face. Or should I say a sledgehammer to the feet? Yep, this film came out in 1990 and I still claim the hobbling scene is one of the most disturbing and haunting bits ever put to film. If you’ve never seen Misery, give yourself the absolute gift of putting this before your eyes. If you have, rewatch immediately. It’s worth it.
Where to Watch: Streaming on HBOMax and Showtime
Food/Drink Pairing: Pork chops and some Dom Perignon
Musings of a Scary Horror Writer. 