[Editor’s Note: This article was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the film being discussed here wouldn’t exist.]
For many horror enthusiasts, the name Pet Sematary conjures a chilling blend of childhood fears and adult anxieties. It’s a franchise deeply rooted in Stephen King’s masterful storytelling, and for some, like myself, it served as a gateway into the captivating world of horror. The original Pet Sematary – both the book and the 1989 film adaptation – holds a special place, exploring the terrifying concept of unnatural resurrection and the devastating consequences of grief. While the 2019 adaptation aimed to modernize the tale for a new audience, it’s Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, released in 2023, that takes a different path, delving into the previously unexplored backstory of Jud Crandall and the sinister history of the pet sematary itself. This Pet Sematary 2023 release isn’t a direct remake, but rather a prequel, offering a fresh perspective on familiar horrors.
Pet Sematary: Bloodlines rewinds the clock, setting its narrative against the backdrop of the Vietnam War era. This shift in timeline, moving away from the World War II setting mentioned in King’s novel and the original film, allows for a nuanced exploration of grief and societal anxieties within a different historical context. The film centers around a young Jud Crandall, played by Jackson White, in 1969 Ludlow, Maine. Instead of retelling the main plot of Pet Sematary, Bloodlines focuses on the story Jud recounts to Louis Creed in the original narrative – the tragic tale of Timmy Baterman. We witness Bill Baterman, portrayed by David Duchovny, grappling with the loss of his son Timmy (Jack Mulhern), a soldier fallen in Vietnam. In his despair, Bill makes the fateful decision to bury Timmy in the cursed ground, setting in motion a chain of horrifying events that plague the town. The Vietnam War setting adds a layer of complexity, mirroring the national trauma and unease of the time with the personal horrors unfolding in Ludlow.
Initially, Jud and his girlfriend Norma (Natalie Alyn Lind) are on the verge of leaving Ludlow to join the Peace Corps, seeking a sense of purpose beyond their small town. However, their plans are abruptly derailed by the unsettling return of Timmy. A chance encounter leads to a violent attack by Timmy’s dog, seemingly transformed overnight into a vicious creature. As rumors of Timmy’s disturbing behavior spread, a group of Ludlow residents, including Jud and his family, are forced to confront the dark secrets lurking beneath their town and take responsibility for stopping the encroaching evil.
Director Lindsey Anderson Beer takes on the challenge of expanding a story that, some might argue, was already complete. The Timmy Bateman story is a known element of the Pet Sematary lore, serving as a chilling anecdote in both the book and previous film adaptations. However, Beer uses this familiar tale as a foundation to delve deeper into the mythology of the pet sematary and Jud’s role within it. During interviews, Beer highlighted specific lines from King’s novel that resonated with her, particularly the description of Jud as the “guardian of the woods.” Pet Sematary: Bloodlines aims to illuminate the origins of this guardianship, exploring the events that shaped Jud and solidified his connection to the cursed land, impacting both the past and future of Ludlow. This approach elevates pet sematary 2023 beyond a simple prequel, offering a richer understanding of the overarching narrative.
This ambition to enrich the existing story is commendable. Without this deeper exploration, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines could have easily fallen into the trap of becoming a formulaic prequel, simply rehashing familiar tropes and delivering predictable scares before culminating in the already known fate of Timmy’s house.
However, despite the narrative depth and thoughtful thematic additions, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines ultimately lands in a somewhat ambiguous territory. While the film showcases deliberate script development and intriguing plot points, it struggles to transcend the label of being merely “adequate.” The layers of meaning and thematic resonance are present for those inclined to analyze them, yet the final product feels somewhat emotionally detached. It doesn’t quite capture the raw nerve and visceral horror that Pet Sematary is known for.
To be clear, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines is far from a failure. It offers a worthwhile viewing experience, especially for dedicated Stephen King fans eager to see a further exploration of the Pet Sematary universe. It serves as a respectable continuation of the story, adding another chapter to the saga. However, it’s unlikely to burrow under your skin and haunt your nightmares in the same way the original Pet Sematary has for generations. The film delivers a few effective scares and grapples with interesting story elements, but it also suffers from pacing issues and underdeveloped characters who often feel like background elements. Forrest Goodluck delivers a standout performance as Manny, Jud’s childhood friend, adding depth and nuance to the ensemble cast. Henry Thomas and David Duchovny also provide solid performances as fathers burdened by the anxieties of their generation, effectively enhancing the film’s themes.
Lindsey Anderson Beer faced a significant challenge in crafting a Pet Sematary story that felt both fresh and true to the source material. She successfully identifies and fills in narrative gaps in compelling ways, finding new avenues to explore the established mythology and bring it to life for a contemporary audience. While Pet Sematary: Bloodlines might not become the definitive horror film of Halloween 2023, it remains a worthwhile addition to the Pet Sematary canon and a viewing option for fans seeking more from this chilling universe.
Movie Score: 3/5
