GERALD'S GAME (2017)

Directed & Edited By: Mike Flannigan 
Written By: Mike Flannigan & Jeff Howard 
Based On The Novel By: Stephen King 
Cinematography By: Michael Fimognari 

Cast: Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood, Henry Thomas, Kate Siegel 


When a harmless game between a married couple in a remote retreat suddenly becomes a harrowing fight for survival, wife Jessie must confront long-buried demons within her own mind - and possibly lurking in the shadows of her seemingly empty house.


This was once a Stephen king book that was thought unfilmable. I have never read the book but knew the basic storyline. The film has plenty of references to other Stephen King material as well as the director’s previous films

Knew it would be a psychological thriller that mainly takes place with the character and her own thoughts. Always thought it would be more an auteur who took on this film and it's property and make it more an audience challenge by spend by time with the character only and her thoughts and plight.

Here writer/director Mike Flannigan pulls it off. Not by making the story as remote by invitation living other character mostly in flashbacks in the middle of the story that helps explain the characters psyche and her issues. When Generally showing her deteriorating psyche and physical form. She talks to herself but a healthier version as well as her dead husband.

The film keeps up the necessary tension throughout. Even if the flashbacks kind of help take some of the tension off the current by making you see he uncomfortable past. It's almost like a theater piece with better film making and no score at all

Again writer/director Mike Flannigan takes what seems to be a simple premise and takes it for all it's worth and makes a powerful film. The film ends up not being as remote as once thought as you expect something more akin to Roman Polanski's REPULSION. This film seems more audience friendly in it's Filmmaking. Always keeping more of a grilled element than a dramatic one. Though the films stays humanistic making it's monsters and fears all the more human rather then supernatural or some psychopath. So that you can put this film alongside such films based off of Stephen king books and stories such as DOLORES CLAIRBORNE and MISERY.

One of the major flaws is in the third act when a character or so called boogeyman man comes into the film as another threat but also a representation of her fear, anger and the people who have made her feel like a victim. I can understand the reasoning even if a little too much of hitting the nail on the head with no subtlety, but it also cheapens the film and the work a little.

Carla Gugino finally gets a film worthy of her talents. She has been battling around in films. Usually keep genre films and proving herself more and more in indie film roles. Usually playing an older seductress or sexpot. Here she exudes that but also a lot more vulnerability. Where her performance is what helps this film feel so strong. --I only wish the third act served her better. After all she and her character go through it is such a powerful performance that seems buffered by the end.

Bruce Greenwood matches her note for note as the charming predator. Who is her husband a genial nice guy whose charms hide his sinister nature. So that even when threatening and describing horror. He still comes off as charming like a serial killer. Which he is not. Henry Thomas comes into the film in a surprising role. That is nuanced and strong but immediately shows his range and makes you look at him in a new light.

I don't know about you out there but I am not the most squeamish person when it comes to voice violence and gore. Except when it looms a little too real and this movie has one of the most disgusting and disturbing scenes. That frankly made me want to look away and gave me a prolonged pause while watching it. So consider that a warning.

The ending almost undoes all the good Will and bad skill on hand. That almost cheapens the whole film for something that feels more traditional in another film that might fit the same type of genre. Unfortunately not as striking as it seems to be taking itself and where it seems headed. Even as I highly recommend this film. It's not experimental but it is a strong film that while has more audience friendly film making. It has it's own rhythm and strength. Even if it lacks a certain strong refinement that could make it stronger. Instead of feeling elite it feels a bit more blue collar. More for the masses. Though again it shows the rising talent of filmmaker Mike Flannigan and makes one enthusiastic for his future work.


Grade: B-