Stephen King’s works are a gold mine for the horror genre. Each of his novels or stories carries a weight that filmmakers salivate over. Yet, the question remains – how does one adapt his tales without crossing into the abyss of box-office flops? Let’s take a deep dive into “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines,” Paramount’s newest gamble, and see if it can avoid becoming another casualty of horror adaptations gone wrong.
The Legacy of Pet Sematary
Stephen King‘s “Pet Sematary” stands out as one of his most unnerving narratives. Mary Lambert’s 1989 adaptation was a chilling representation of King’s bleakest novel. Despite its conclusive ending, the franchise found ways to expand with a sequel in 1992 and a remake in 2019. Though met with mixed reviews, the 2019 adaptation saw box-office success, paving the way for a prequel, “Bloodlines.”
“Bloodlines” takes us back to 1969, shedding light on a young Jud’s tryst with the haunting cemetery secrets. “This will follow young Jud – who was played by John Lithgow in the Pet Sematary remake – as he first learns the secret behind the local cemetery.” The narrative will revolve around a segment from King’s book where Jud reminisces about Timmy Baterman, who after dying in World War 2, returns to life thanks to the cemetery’s mysterious powers.
Lessons from The Last Voyage of the Demeter
A unique approach “Bloodlines” plans to employ is adapting a narrative within the core storyline. This isn’t a new tactic. “The Last Voyage of the Demeter” similarly adapted “The Captain’s Log” chapter from Bram Stoker’s Dracula. A promising premise, yet the film languished in developmental stages, only to emerge in 2023 as a massive box-office disappointment. Despite a budget of $45 million and a strong cast, the film barely recovered half its investment.
Drawing parallels, “Bloodlines” also aims to expand upon a memorable passage from a classic horror tale. With “Demeter” struggling at the box-office, it raises concerns if this film strategy is sound. Yet, there is hope for “Bloodlines.” Its roots are deeply connected to a recently successful movie adaptation of a renowned Stephen King novel, giving it a head start.
Why “Bloodlines” Might Survive the Curse
Unlike “Demeter,” “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines” enjoys the luxury of being part of a recognized Stephen King universe. The “Demeter” suffered as it was derived from a less familiar portion of a classic novel. Moreover, the strategic release on Paramount+ for “Bloodlines” means it’s safe from the unforgiving eyes that critically assess box-office numbers. As the industry watches with bated breath, only time will reveal if “Bloodlines” enhances the original narrative or fades into obscurity.
