Salem's Lot

Bloodsuckers & Mediocrity: 'Salem's Lot Hits Streaming!

Diving into the latest adaptation of Stephen King's 'Salem's Lot – Spoiler alert: it's a mixed bag!

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what might happen when a gothic horror tale meets a splash of mediocrity, wonder no more! The newest adaptation of Stephen King's classic, 'Salem's Lot, is now streaming on HBO Max. This film brings us the story of Ben Mears, a writer who returns to his eerie hometown only to find it overrun with vampires. Directed by Gary Dauberman, who carries with him the dubious honor of having penned several entries in The Conjuring universe, this film teeters precariously between chills and yawns. Fans of horror should brace themselves: while the film promises supernatural spookiness, it doesn’t quite deliver a heart-pounding experience.

Set against the backdrop of a small town with a blood-curdling past, we meet familiar faces like Ben Mears played by Lewis Pullman and Alfre Woodard as Dr. Cody. However, die-hard King fans may find themselves shaking their heads at the lackadaisical atmosphere and stereotypical character portrayals. While it’s entertaining to watch some familiar tropes play out, it often feels like you're sitting through a slow-motion wolf-in-sheep’s-clothing moment, just waiting for someone to say, "Boo!" Instead, what we get is a film that raises more questions than it answers, like: Is this really the treatment King's work deserved?

Despite its shortcomings, don’t toss your popcorn too quickly! Those with a fondness for campy horror adaptations might still enjoy the flick, if only for the nostalgia. The cinematography captures the desolate charm of the original narrative and exudes a quirky vibe that’s a tad reminiscent of classic horror films. Plus, if you’re a fan of plot twists, you might just find a few surprises that—even if they falter—bring a semblance of excitement to your viewing experience.

As you gear up for a cozy night bingeing with the ghouls and not-so-great dialogue, keep this in mind: ‘Salem's Lot isn't the end of the world, but it might inspire some spirited debates among your friends. Now, speaking of debates, do you know the 1975 version of 'Salem's Lot is one of the first King adaptations filmed for television? It set the stage for a long line of adaptations. And here's a fun vampire fact: the original novel's depiction of vampires has influenced countless tales, molding how pop culture portrays the ultimate bloodsucker. So while the new version might feel like a trip to the dentist, at least we can still sink our teeth into the legacy of Stephen King!