“Pet Sematary: Bloodlines” Unearths New Horrors and Trenches into Stephen King’s Literary Legacy

“Pet Sematary: Bloodlines“: A Prequel Worth Exploring Amid a Gluttonous Wave of Stephen King Adaptations

A Crisp and Efficient Reminder of King’s Terrifying Line

“Pet Sematary” has long held a special place in the pantheon of Stephen King’s most terrifying works. However, its adaptation into film has often struggled to capture the full extent of King’s bone-chilling tale. Yet, in a surprising turn of events, “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines” manages to bring a fresh perspective to the story, offering viewers a small but decent movie experience on Paramount+.

Director and co-writer Lindsey Anderson Beer takes a shrewd approach by delving into a small portion of the original novel and crafting a prequel centered around the story that Jud Crandall recounts about Timmy Bateman. It’s an effective move that not only serves as a reminder of King’s famous line, “Sometimes, dead is better,” but also proves that prequels can be worthwhile endeavors.

The film transports us to 1969, where a young Jud Crandall (played by Jackson White) is preparing to leave for the Peace Corps. Meanwhile, his friend Timmy (Jack Mulhern) returns from Vietnam. The story begins with Timmy’s father (portrayed by David Duchovny) burying his son in the “sour earth” of the eerie cemetery, a secret he has kept hidden from the town. As Timmy’s presence becomes increasingly disturbing, the film steadily builds toward the unleashed mayhem that follows.

Efficiently Using Its Runtime to Unveil Ludlow’s Secrets

Clocking in at a brisk 87 minutes, “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines” refrains from over-exploiting its slim conceit. The movie doesn’t linger too long on its gory scenes but instead focuses on unraveling the history of Ludlow, the small Maine town, and the “ancient evil” that lurks within it. This exploration provides a deeper understanding of the horrifying concept at the heart of the story and increases the sense of dread.

One of the film’s strengths lies in its casting choices, with supporting roles filled by familiar faces boasting notable genre credentials. From David Duchovny and Henry Thomas (“E.T.”) to Pam Grier as the local sheriff, these performers bring a sense of gravitas and authenticity to their characters, adding depth to the narrative.

A Reasonable October Diversion for Stephen King Fans

It’s understandable that enthusiasm for line extensions like “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines” may be limited. Paramount’s decision to release this small-scale effort directly to streaming seems justified, even if some inferior horror movies have secured theatrical releases. Nevertheless, expanding upon King’s chilling concept provides a reasonably solid diversion amidst the current proliferation of movies and TV shows based on his influential literary legacy.

This week, we also see the release of yet another addition to “The Exorcist” filmography, making it clear that adding layers to established storylines is a recurring challenge. However, “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines” manages to endorse the idea that King’s iconic town is worth revisiting. By embracing the notion that the past truly is a prologue, this prequel offers a fresh perspective on the eerie allure of Ludlow.

In conclusion, “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines” stands as a reminder that sometimes going back to the origins of a spine-chilling tale can yield promising results. With crisp storytelling, understated performances, and a commitment to delving into the dark underbelly of Ludlow, this prequel serves as a worthy addition to the Stephen King universe. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this October-timed release on Paramount+ is sure to provide a chilling and entertaining experience.

“Pet Sematary: Bloodlines” premieres on October 6, exclusively on Paramount+. The film is rated R, offering a gory and unsettling journey into Stephen King’s macabre world.