1922: The Underrated Stephen King Horror Netflix Adaptation

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Summary

  • King fans have much to celebrate with Perkins’s The Monkey in theaters and Flanagan’s Dark Tower movie.
  • Notable thrilling King adaptations include The Monkey and the overlooked gem 1922 on Netflix.
  • King appreciated the cast and suspense of the 1922 movie adaptation, likening it to There Will Be Blood.

Fans of Stephen King are currently rejoicing with good reason, as Osgood Perkins’ film “The Monkey” is now playing in cinemas, and Mike Flanagan is working on a “Dark Tower” movie. While “The Monkey” boasts a lively 1990s backdrop and numerous gruesome death scenes, it effectively embodies the essence of King’s short story and at its heart, revolves around a family tragedy.

Among King’s works, some of the finest adaptations have been horror movies, and while certain ones may fade from memory, “Pet Sematary” and “Misery” will forever remain as exceptional and genuinely spine-tingling tales. With streaming services, fans have enjoyed a plethora of King adaptations, ranging from the eerie backdrop of “In The Tall Grass” to the child protagonist in the reboot of “Firestarter”. However, one lesser-known King horror movie on Netflix stands out as one of the superior adaptations of his intricate stories.

Stephen King’s 1922 Is A Great, Underrated Netflix Horror Movie

The chilling Netflix film titled “1922,” based on Stephen King’s novella from 2010, revolves around the character of Wilfred “Wilf” Leland James (Thomas Jane). In the beginning of the movie, Wilf carries out a heinous act of murder, which he involves his son Henry (Dylan Schmid) in. This intriguing plot hook immediately captivates viewers. Unlike many of King’s stories that are typically set in the 1980s, “1922” is uniquely placed in the year it shares a name with, offering an interesting contrast to his other works such as “Misery” and “Cujo.

In every book by King, I find myself captivated from the very first page, fully immersed in his intriguing narratives. For example, consider the chilling short story “Gramma,” which was adapted into an episode of The Twilight Zone and weaves a tale of a child and their eerie grandmother. The premise of 1922 is also striking, but the film’s visuals are truly unforgettable.

Wilf experiences a time where he sees rats, a clever narrative tool that serves as a powerful symbol of his guilt over the crime he has committed.

1922 can be described as an exceptionally gloomy tale, possibly one of Stephen King’s grimmest film adaptations. It shares a haunting atmosphere with the skillfully crafted 2011 thriller Take Shelter, which centers around Curtis LaForche (Michael Shannon), a man plagued by terrifying visions of impending disaster. In both 1922 and Take Shelter, the protagonists grapple with distinguishing reality from dreams, nightmares, or hallucinations, creating an engaging narrative dynamic. Both movies further employ minimalistic, unsettling, and quiet atmospheres.

Similar to how the Netflix series based on Stephen King’s tale, “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone,” delves into a melancholic narrative about a teenager grappling with loneliness and fear, the novel “1922” follows a similar path. Many of King’s works revolve around young characters who are finding their place in society, often coming from challenging family circumstances. This is evident in the members of the Losers Club from “IT,” which was successfully adapted into two captivating films. Although King is renowned for creating chilling monsters like Pennywise the Dancing Clown, he is equally adept at creating realistic, intelligent, and endearing young characters.

Jane’s acting in the movie 1922 makes it worthwhile to watch, and you might recognize her as she played the lead character David Drayton in the 2007 adaptation of The Mist. In this film, which ends tragically, she delivers a chilling performance that will hold your attention. Jane skillfully portrays a father who finds himself involved in an appalling act, and her acting is both captivating and terrifying.

What Did Stephen King Say About The Netflix Horror Movie 1922?

Stephen King is well-known for his straightforwardness regarding adaptations of his writings. For instance, King wasn’t fond of the films “The Shining” and “The Lawnmower Man.” When such a renowned author expresses appreciation for an upcoming adaptation, fans are always eager to learn about it.

King commended the surprising death sequences in “The Monkey,” and it’s interesting to note that he was a fan of the 2017 adaptation of “1922.” In an interview with Vulture, King expressed approval for the cast members in the film, finding them suitable for their roles. Additionally, King stated:

1922 caught me off guard that someone intended to create it. Yet, I was thrilled by the prospect and felt a sense of anticipation to witness the final outcome.

King added:

1922 brought to mind a movie titled “There Will Be Blood”. Much like its eerie, expressionless demeanor, the film lent itself perfectly to create an intense, suspenseful atmosphere. It’s a piece that has left a lasting impression on me.

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2025-02-25 23:26