From Cult Classic to Modern Mysteries: The Twists of the Pet Sematary Series
In the labyrinth of Stephen King adaptations, Pet Sematary has had a roller-coaster journey. Mary Lambert’s 1989 adaptation has, over the years, grown in stature as a cult classic. But while its initial reception was tepid, subsequent installments like the 2019 remake faced a harsher critique. Still, the tale didn’t end there.
“Although director Mary Lambert’s original 1989 movie Pet Sematary is now seen as a cult classic, the adaptation received mixed reviews upon release.”
Rising from the Ashes: The 2023 Revival
In a twist that surprised many, 2023 saw another installment in the series, “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines.” However, far from rejuvenating the franchise, this prequel faced a barrage of criticism, particularly for its predictable plotline. Delving into the life of young Jud Crandall, the film promised a fresh perspective, and fans eagerly waited to see more depth in the relationships that shaped him, particularly with his love interest, Norma.
“The creators of the prequel Pet Sematary: Bloodlines ignored Jud’s advice that sometimes dead is better when they revived the series once again in 2023.”
The Unanswered Questions About Norma’s Mysterious End
One of the biggest hooks of the Pet Sematary series is the character of Norma. Both the 1989 adaptation and King’s novel offered explanations about her untimely death. However, the 2019 remake and its successor, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, have been frustratingly vague about the circumstances of her demise.
“Both the original 1989 movie and King’s 1983 book had Norma die of an illness after the story began, but 2019’s disastrous Pet Sematary remake had her die sometime before this from an unspecified fate.”
Jud’s history with the ominous cemetery hints at a deeper connection, possibly involving Norma’s death. Yet, “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines” steered clear of these potential plot threads. An end that could have seen a grief-stricken Jud laying Norma to rest in the haunted ground, thus triggering the eerie cycle of the story, was an opportunity missed.
A Deleted Scene and Its Implications
While not part of the main narrative, a deleted scene from the 2019 Pet Sematary remake brought forth a chilling revelation. The scene suggested Jud, driven by despair, buried Norma in the cursed cemetery post her death, only to bring her back in a grotesque form, leading him to face the heartbreaking act of killing her anew.
Moreover, Norma’s arc in “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines” adds layers to her tragic trajectory. The revelation that she had plans to leave Ludlow and join the Peace Corps, only to get entangled in Jud’s life and the curse of the cemetery, makes her fate even more poignant.
“As such, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines inadvertently made Stephen King’s supporting Pet Sematary character more tragic than her earlier incarnations by changing her story.”
A Saga of Missed Chances?
The Pet Sematary franchise is a tapestry of mysteries, character arcs, and eerie events. “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines” added to this canvas, but perhaps not in the way fans had hoped. While it offered glimpses into the past, many feel it left more questions unanswered than it resolved, particularly regarding Norma’s haunting fate. One can only hope that if the tale continues, it will finally shed light on these lingering shadows.
