The Max Original film SALEM’s LOT debuts THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3 on Max. The adaptation of Stephen King’s 1975 bestselling novel reunites the producing teams behind the record-breaking horror franchises “The Conjuring” universe and the “It” films. Gary Dauberman writes, directs, and executive produces the film. Producers are James Wan and Michael Clear for Atomic Monster; Roy Lee for Vertigo; and Mark Wolper.
If there was one mini-series from my childhood that scared the jillies out of me and stayed with me through the years it was 1979’s Salem’s Lot. A particular scene filled me with dread and I was wondering if it would appear in this new movie with the same impact. It does.
Synopsis: 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.
There is always the worry with remakes and adaptations that the filmmakers will try and flex their creativity, spoiling what we originally loved. Salem’s Lot – both the book and the original mini series – needed a little polishing and a few upgrades to the effects; but little else.
This Max movie version does far more right than it does wrong. The story remains set in what appears to be the mid to late 1970s. This makes it free of any and all technology and google conveniences. Vampires are the best timeless stories. Having it remade in a period when we were all a bit more naive, faithful, and to be honest, content makes it that much more nostalgic.
Steven King is the master of storytelling and there is always a simple plot line that drives the rest of the narrative. Here it is a vampire taking over a small New England town. This film does a great job of never losing sight of that. The characters are charming and endearing but their side stories never takes away from the main focus; vampires. Full of wooden stakes, creature folklore, and a faith filled crucifix the characters do their best to survive the horrors.
The minds behind The Conjuring franchise made sure that all the scares remained. The use of dark imagery, fog, and creepy noises elevate the terror. And yes, the scene that haunted our dreams since 1979 is pulled off to perfection. It feels as if they never wanted to lose that magic and delivered the imagery perfectly.
The film stars Lewis Pullman as Ben Mears. He is an accomplished writer returning to a place of his childhood. Salem’s and Jerusalem’s Lot are quaint, picturesque areas. The perfect backdrop for small town chills. Ben starts a friendly relationship with Susan Norton (Makenzie Leigh) who, along with the local school teacher (Bill Camp) and doctor (Alfre Woodard), try and rid their town of the demonic force.
Like the original min-series there are several of kids involved too. That was one factor that scared me the most as a pre-teen. Here we get a solid dose as well with one boy in particular helping to lead the charge against evil. Mark (Jordan Preston Carter) knows a bully when he sees one, and knows the best way to defeat one is to meet it head on.
Seldom will a remake surpass the original but this one might. My only regret is that we didn’t get more of each character. There are times when a minor character comes and goes with the elusion they will play a larger role. They are introduced then never revisited. It could have made for a great mini-series, but I get the reasoning.
SALEM’S LOT is rated R for language, terror, and gruesome images, and is the perfect addition to your October movie list. The fact you can watch it at home is even better.
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