A New Take on an Old Tale
When it comes to the horror genre, few names resonate as loudly as Stephen King. His 1983 novel “Pet Sematary” has been a cornerstone of horror literature, inspiring multiple adaptations. The latest in line is “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines,” a film that not only serves as a follow-up to the 2019 adaptation but also takes the narrative back in time.
“Taking on a new storyline altogether, Bloodlines attempts to tap into the novel’s mythology further.”
Directed by Lindsey Anderson Beer in her directorial debut, the film features a fresh cast led by Jackson White, who plays a younger version of Jud Crandall, the character John Lithgow brought to life in the 2019 film. Seasoned actors David Duchovny and Pam Grier also join the ensemble, adding gravitas to the horror flick.
The 1969 Setting: A Nod to the Vietnam War
One of the most intriguing aspects of “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines” is its timeline. While the 2019 film was set in the same year as its release, “Bloodlines” takes us back to 1969, serving as a prequel to both the novel and the Paramount movie remake.
“Pet Sematary: Bloodlines changes Stephen King’s original book by alluding to the Vietnam War (instead of the Second World War as King wrote).”
This shift in time allows the film to delve into the Vietnam War, a departure from King’s original narrative, which focused on the Second World War. Jack Mulhern plays Timmy, a young boy who loses his life fighting in Vietnam, a character inspired by Timmy Baterman in King’s novel. The 1969 setting provides a fresh context for the horror that unfolds, making it a timely addition to the Pet Sematary universe.
The Haunting Grounds of Ludlow, Maine
Stephen King’s stories often find their home in Maine, and “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines” is no exception. The film is set in a fictionalized version of Ludlow, a small Maine town with a population of less than 500.
“Even if it might seem like a sleepy town, King’s novel was set in a heavily fictionalized version of Ludlow with the author fabricating its ominous mythology.”
The film continues this tradition, setting its eerie events in the same fictionalized Ludlow, possibly inspired by Maine’s Orrington, where King penned the original novel.
The Box Office and Beyond
Despite the polarizing reviews of the 2019 “Pet Sematary,” the film was a box-office success. This new installment, with its fresh narrative and deeper dive into King’s mythology, aims to capture the audience’s imagination once again. With a Fantastic Fest premiere and a streaming release on Paramount+, “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines” is ready to resurrect the dead and the audience’s interest in this enduring horror tale.
So, whether you’re a Stephen King aficionado or a horror film junkie, “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines” promises to be a chilling journey into the depths of one of horror’s most iconic stories.
