Stephen King adaptations from the eighties are a mixed bag, to say the least. But nestled among the misses is a genuinely unsettling film that has stood the test of time: Pet Sematary. It’s funny, when I first heard of Pet Sematary, or should I say Pet Cem, I didn’t even catch the intentional misspelling! This movie, adapted from King’s novel, delivers a chilling experience that’s well worth revisiting for horror fans.
Like many King stories, Pet Sematary unfolds in the seemingly idyllic, yet subtly sinister, landscape of Maine. A family, seeking a fresh start, moves into a house that comes with an unnerving feature: a busy road right out front. This road quickly becomes a central figure when tragedy strikes, and the family’s beloved cat, Church, becomes a victim. Enter Judd, the neighbor, a character who, with good intentions, introduces a rather unorthodox solution to the family’s grief – the ancient burial ground beyond the “Pet Cem” – a place rumored to bring things back from the dead.
Pet Sematary truly earns its reputation as a great horror film. It masterfully builds a creepy atmosphere, punctuated by genuinely memorable and disturbing scenes. The acting is solid, drawing you into the unfolding nightmare. However, even as a strong film, it’s hard not to feel that the source material, King’s novel, likely offers a richer tapestry of character development and backstory. You get glimpses of deeper histories for many characters, hinting at stories that could fill out a mini-series. These tantalizing threads, while adding intrigue, sometimes feel a bit underdeveloped within the confines of a feature film.
Speaking of characters, Fred Gwynne’s portrayal of Judd is… unforgettable. Whether you find it brilliant or bizarre is a matter of personal taste. For me, it’s a highlight. His distinctive delivery and mannerisms are incredibly captivating and linger long after the movie ends. In fact, Judd’s iconic presence has even permeated pop culture, with nods to his character popping up in shows like ‘South Park’ to explain supernatural occurrences, a testament to Gwynne’s lasting impact.
If you can forgive the film for leaving some narrative avenues unexplored, Pet Sematary remains a genuinely fun and, for its time, innovative horror experience. Forget the remake for now and immerse yourself in the original’s unsettling blend of horror and disturbing imagery. The practical effects and makeup, especially when they go for the gruesome, are effectively nasty in the best way possible.
And really, try watching Pet Sematary and not being utterly captivated by Fred Gwynne’s performance. I dare you. You might even find yourself chuckling at a somewhat random and out-of-place pratfall that occurs – a moment of unexpected physical comedy that feels almost like a nod to Frank Drebin amidst the dread. Pet Sematary, even with its slightly misspelled “pet cem” in the title, delivers a potent dose of horror that continues to resonate with audiences today.
