Stephen King’s Pet Sematary is a chilling tale that delves into themes of grief, death, and the terrifying consequences of defying nature. The 1989 film adaptation, directed by Mary Lambert, has become a cult classic among horror fans. While it captures some of the novel’s morbid atmosphere and benefits from strong casting choices, it also suffers from a lack of stylistic imagination in its direction.
Originally, George Romero, known for his masterful horror direction in Night of the Living Dead and his Stephen King collaborations Creepshow and The Dark Half, was slated to direct Pet Sematary. One can only speculate what Romero’s vision might have brought to this already dark material. Lambert, while competent, doesn’t quite inject the film with the same level of visual flair or unsettling atmosphere that could have elevated Pet Sematary from a decent adaptation to a truly outstanding one.
That’s not to say Pet Sematary is without its strengths. The film delivers moments of genuine creepiness, particularly in scenes involving Zelda, Rachel Creed’s sister, whose illness and disturbing appearance are genuinely unsettling. These scenes, grotesque and surreal, likely left a lasting impression on younger viewers when the film was first released, contributing to its enduring reputation in the horror genre. Furthermore, the casting of certain key roles is undeniably brilliant. Miko Hughes as Gage Creed is perfectly cast. He convincingly portrays the innocent charm of a toddler before his horrifying transformation into something monstrous. Fred Gwynne, known to many as Herman Munster, delivers a memorable performance as Jud Crandall. Gwynne perfectly embodies the secretive, ominous nature of the character, hinting at the terrible knowledge he carries with a subtle yet powerful undercurrent of dread. Credit must also be given to the makeup artists who transformed Andrew Hubatsek into the nightmarish Zelda, a truly unforgettable horror creation.
However, the film does stumble in other casting choices. Dale Midkiff as Louis Creed, the central figure wrestling with unimaginable decisions, is adequate but lacks the depth to fully convey the character’s inner turmoil and descent into desperation. Similarly, the actress portraying Ellie Creed, while not terrible, doesn’t quite resonate or bring the necessary emotional weight to her role. These casting choices, while not fatal flaws, prevent Pet Sematary from reaching its full potential.
In terms of memorable sequences, Pet Sematary offers a few chilling set pieces. The iconic scene of Gage’s death, underscored by a Ramones track, is a pivotal and shocking moment. The initial discovery of the pet sematary itself, with its eerie atmosphere and unsettling sense of ancient power, effectively captures the mystical undertones present in King’s writing, reminiscent of the Overlook Hotel’s sinister presence in The Shining. Despite these standout scenes, much of the film feels somewhat conventionally directed. A bolder, darker visual style could have amplified the script’s inherent morbidity and psychological horror.
Despite its shortcomings in direction and some uneven casting, Pet Sematary remains a compelling and disturbing film. It’s a testament to the strength of Stephen King’s source material that even a somewhat flawed adaptation can still deliver a chilling and thought-provoking experience. As a study of grief and the terrifying allure of forbidden knowledge, Pet Sematary functions effectively, making it a worthwhile, if not perfect, midnight movie for horror enthusiasts.
