In 1980, the film The Shining, directed by Stanley Kubrick, received mixed reviews, and was heavily criticized by the original author Stephen King! However, over the next decade, it became one of the most classic horror films. The most iconic aspect of The Shining is its symbolic imagery, which remains a topic of discussion among fans even after so long! Its classic status lies in the film’s open-ended narrative, inviting the audience to imagine, and its filmmaking techniques are still considered classic today! Even the plot elements have profoundly influenced other contemporary films!
The plot of Doctor Sleep follows directly after The Shining, with the protagonist Danny and his mother escaping the Overlook Hotel. However, the evil spirits brought on by Danny’s psychic abilities continue to haunt him. As he grows up, Danny no longer fears his abilities; on the contrary, he uses them to help many terminally ill patients pass away peacefully, earning him the title “Doctor Sleep”! Until one day, he receives a vision from a girl named Abra, discovering she possesses powerful psychic abilities! Eventually, Abra tells Danny: there is a group called the True Knot hunting those with psychic abilities! Danny decides to help Abra fight back! At the same time, he must confront his childhood fears and return to the Overlook Hotel.
For those who haven’t seen The Shining, there is really no need to fear misunderstanding; the sequel has a completely different tone. However, for those who have seen The Shining, this work is made for the fans! From the decaying old woman at the beginning of the film, to the old chef teaching Danny how to combat evil spirits, to the sweeping camera movements and music as they approach the Overlook Hotel, nearly everything pays homage to The Shining! The charm of The Shining lies in its narrative’s openness to audience interpretation, which contributes to its classic status; Doctor Sleep, however, attributes everything to supernatural phenomena, which, while offering explanations in many parts of the film, also loses the audience’s imaginative space! Surprisingly, during the final battle, protagonist Danny bravely faces past demons, sacrificing himself. The fear in your heart is something you ultimately must confront! Only by facing it can you let go and properly say goodbye to the past! I believe this is the director’s greatest farewell to The Shining. And in the end, the conversation between Danny and Abra hints at the possibility of a sequel?
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