Louis (Jason Clarke), his wife Rachel (Amy Seimetz) and their two children Ellie (Jeté Laurence) and Gage (twins Hugo and Lucas Lavoie) have just moved to the town of Ludlow, Maine from Boston, hoping for a quieter life.
While wandering through the woods behind their house, Ellie stumbles on a graveyard, with a sign that reads ‘Pet Sematary'. She meets their older, retired neighbour Jud (John Lithgow) who tells her that this is the place where for generations children have buried their pets who have passed away.
When their family cat is hit by a truck, in order to protect Ellie from the truth, Louis buries it in the Pet Sematary.
But when the cat returns, looking a little different and behaving extremely differently, Louis learns from Jud that the Pet Sematary has powers that can bring back the dead. Whether or not it is a good idea remains to be seen. (Hint: It probably isn't).
The script by Jeff Buhler differs significantly from both the novel and the original 1989 film, particularly in the second half of the film. In actual fact, however, this is a good thing. Considering how many times I had read the novel, and seen the original film, I found that I was able to be surprised by the events of this version in a way I had not been expecting.
Laurie Rose's cinematography is a masterclass in how to shoot a film, and how to use both light and shadow to their full effect.
The score, by Christopher Young, is absolutely chilling throughout. It begins pleasantly enough as the family first drive into town and see their new house, but turns on a dime the moment Ellie goes into the woods for the first time, and doesn't let up once after that. The music is never overused or overdone, but when it is used, it is done incredibly well.
The performances of the entire cast are exquisite, with particular congratulations going to Jason Clarke and Jeté Laurence, whose young age has no bearing on her acting ability; she really is in her element here. I look forward to seeing just what she does next; she will definitely be one to look out for.
John Lithgow too is fantastic as the neighbour, portraying his role with a subtlety than can only be developed over a long career such as his.
Directors Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer have outdone themselves here, and brought us a film that despite being a remake, still has plenty to shock and surprise.
8 1/2 out of 10.
No comments:
Post a Comment