While Stanley Kubrick's The Shining has terrified audiences for decades, its critically acclaimed sequel has often lingered in the shadow of the original masterpiece. Now, Doctor Sleep has arrived on Netflix UK, giving horror enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to discover what they've been missing.
Directed by modern horror maestro Mike Flanagan, the film serves as both an adaptation of Stephen King's 2013 novel and a direct sequel to Kubrick's 1980 cinematic landmark. Ewan McGregor delivers a haunting performance as Danny Torrance, the traumatised child from the Overlook Hotel who has grown into a troubled adult battling the same demons that plagued his father.
A Bridge Between Two Masters
Doctor Sleep achieves the remarkable feat of honouring both Kubrick's visual language and King's narrative depth. The film follows Danny as he forms a psychic connection with a young girl named Abra, who becomes targeted by a nomadic cult called The True Knot, led by the terrifying Rose the Hat (Rebecca Ferguson).
What makes this sequel particularly compelling is how it explores trauma's lasting impact while delivering genuine horror. The True Knot, who feed on the "steam" of psychically gifted children, represent one of the most chilling villain groups in recent horror history.
Critical Acclaim Meets Streaming Accessibility
Despite earning widespread critical praise upon its 2019 release, Doctor Sleep struggled at the box office, leading many to overlook this horror gem. Critics particularly celebrated Flanagan's respectful handling of the source material and McGregor's nuanced portrayal of a man grappling with inherited darkness.
With its arrival on Netflix, the film finally has the chance to find the audience it deserves. The streaming platform's accessibility means both The Shining devotees and newcomers can experience this chilling continuation of one of horror's most iconic stories.
For those who wondered what became of Danny Torrance after surviving the Overlook Hotel's horrors, Doctor Sleep provides answers that are both satisfying and deeply unsettling. It's a sequel that respects its origins while carving its own distinctive path into nightmare territory.
