The Terror Comeback: ‘Doctor Sleep’ (2019)

By Zosia Wijaszka

Zosia is Los-Angeles based film and television critic with Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Social Communication with Creative Writing. She's a staff writer for AwardsWatch as well as a freelance…

Zosia is Los-Angeles based film and television critic with Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Social Communication with Creative…

In this column, Zofia Wijaszka reviews forgotten, underrated, and “always worth talking” horror films that deserve a new audience’s attention and post-watch conversation. The Terror Comeback’s goal is to celebrate the horror genre, both genre in the cinema and on television.

Doctor Sleep Review: A Masterpiece by Mike Flanagan That Balances Emotion and Fear

Certain films leave a lasting impact on us, lingering in our thoughts, whether we’re aware of it or not. Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining is one such film for me. Mike Flanagan’s Doctor Sleep, a sequel released decades later, manages to evoke similar emotions. Starring Ewan McGregor as Danny Torrance, Doctor Sleep delivers a gripping and emotional narrative, making it one of the finest sequels ever made.

The film follows Danny Torrance, now a struggling alcoholic, grappling with the traumatic memories of his childhood at the Overlook Hotel. His pursuit of a peaceful life is disrupted when he meets Abra (Kyliegh Curran), a teenager who shares his ability, known as “the shining.” United by their shared gift, Danny and Abra join forces to combat the True Knot, a malevolent cult that feeds on the “shine” of innocents to achieve immortality. The cult, led by the formidable Rosie the Hat (Rebecca Ferguson), becomes Danny’s greatest challenge as he fights to stay sober while helping Abra embrace her powers.

Doctor Sleep runs for 2 hours and 31 minutes, but once you’re immersed in Danny’s world, time seems irrelevant. With this sequel, the modern master of horror, has once again demonstrated his prowess. Known for his work on The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, or Ouija: The Origin of Evil, Flanagan has a talent for blending supernatural tales with real-life issues like grief, mental illness, and, in this case, alcoholism. As a recovering alcoholic himself, Flanagan has often shared his personal struggles, making Doctor Sleep one of his most intimate works. The film carefully captures Danny’s battle with sobriety while he faces Rosie the Hat’s terrifying threats.

Ewan McGregor delivers an outstanding performance, portraying a man scarred by his past yet determined to overcome his struggles. Additionally, the flashback scenes and McGregor’s portrayal highlight Danny’s journey to master his “shine” and guide Abra in doing the same. Kyliegh Curran is equally impressive as the fierce and compassionate girl. Her compassion is especially shown when we witness a heart-wrenching scene involving Bradley (Jacob Tremblay), a victim of the True Knot. This scene serves as a poignant reminder of the child innocence, too often lost due to the failures of adults.

Rebecca Ferguson, too, is mesmerizing as Rosie the Hat, masterfully exuding power and menace. Zahn McClarnon also stands out as Crow Daddy, delivering a performance that is both memorable and chilling. Cliff Curtis, portraying Danny’s loyal friend Billy, adds depth to the narrative, reminding us of the power of second chances and the possibility of redemption.

Despite the passage of time, Flanagan has crafted a sequel that honors the legacy of The Shining while standing on its own. The Newton Brothers’ score, which pays homage to the original, enhances the film’s eerie atmosphere, blending familiar and fresh elements seamlessly. Flanagan’s consistent direction ensures that the lengthy runtime feels justified as we remain captivated by the story from start to finish.

Doctor Sleep is a worthy successor to The Shining, offering a blend of nostalgia and a thought-provoking tale of individuality, sobriety, grief, and generational friendship. With powerful performances from McGregor, Ferguson, Curran, and McClarnon, Dr. Sleep is destined to become a classic in the years to come.

Grade: A

Doctor Sleep is available for rent on various streaming platforms.

Doctor Sleep

Still scarred by the trauma he endured as a child at the Overlook Hotel, Dan Torrance faces the ghosts of the past when he meets Abra, a courageous teen who desperately needs his help — and who possesses a powerful extrasensory ability called the "shine".

Release Date: October 30, 2019

Director: Mike Flanagan

Cast: Ewan McGregor , Kyliegh Curran , Rebecca Ferguson