Misery (1990)

Genre: Thriller

Directed by: Rob Reiner

Starring: James Caan, Kathy Bates, Lauren Bacall

Running time: 107 minutes

Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, this psychological thriller tells the story of novelist Paul Sheldon, who gained success writing novels featuring a character named Misery. After writing his latest novel in a remote lodge in Colorado, he gets in his car to drive back to his home in New York. While driving, he gets caught in a blizzard and has a severe car accident that leaves him badly injured. He is rescued by former nurse, Annie Wilkes, who takes him to her home. Sheldon soon realizes that Wilkes is a fan obsessed with him and his books and that she has no intention of setting him free once he heals up.

Kathy Bates was truly frightening as Annie Wilkes. She made that character so believable; it will give you nightmares thinking about the possibility of falling into the hands of such a person while in a vulnerable position. Bates comes off the screen with utmost presence and intensity, it sure is quite something to take in. James Caan holds his own also, as Paul Sheldon, a man physically broken by a car accident who then has to fight off a psychotic fan set on getting her way.

The story of Misery is quite compelling, and the big screen adaptation was well done. This film grabs you and keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way through.

The only turn off for me was the cutsy ending; it made the ordeal of the main character come off as lighter than it was supposed to be. All the way through, the suspense is strong and the tension is high. Then: Aw shucks, it sure was a tough time, but let’s smile about it. Without that last part, it would have been a perfect movie. It came out 25 years ago and is still a very effective thrilling ride.

Rating: ««««