Gerald's Game has stunned both critics and general viewers alike, boasting an impressive 91 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes after its release.
The 2017 psychological horror thriller, crafted under the directorial and editorial genius of Mike Flanagan, is available for thrills on Netflix. Adapted from Stephen King's 1992 chilling novel, Flanagan along with Jeff Howard transformed what many considered unfilmable into a gripping screenplay.
With Carla Gugino and Bruce Greenwood leading the cast, this adaptation triumphs in bringing King's once deemed unadaptable narrative to vibrant life.
The story revolves around a couple, Jessie and Gerald, as their tranquil retreat turns nightmare when Gerald dies unexpectedly, imprisoning Jessie in handcuffs attached to their bed, far from help. Faced with dire straits, Jessie confronts not only her precarious survival but also haunting internal struggles.
Stephen King himself manifested his approval via X (formerly Twitter), saying: "Saw a rough cut of Mike Flanagan's GERALD'S GAME yesterday. Horrifying, hypnotic, terrific. It's gonna freak you out.", reports .
Gugino, reflecting on her intense role to Buzzfeed, said: "It was always considered an un-adaptable book by Stephen King. Also, someone was attached to play the role before. So, from the moment that I spoke to Mike Flanagan to the moment we were filming 'Gerald's Game,' it was literally two weeks.
"So, to come on to that role in that project, in which I was chained to a bed within that period of time, was a real risk. And I thought, 'We're either going to do something really special here, or this is the end of my career.' You know what I mean? There's no middle ground here. I'm so thankful that it was the former."
Gerald's Game has been hailed as a must-see for those who relish a psychological horror with depth. Critics have lavished praise on the film, with one stating: "Unsurprisingly, the film is [Mike Flanagan's] most accomplished to date, the result of the years he's spent giving a damn about his characters and their anguish. He's so good at it, he even makes it look easy."
Another critic expressed relief, saying: "Finally, after the abysmal The Dark Tower and the overhyped It, we have a Stephen King adaptation that's worthy of the brand."
One review highlighted the film's success as an adaptation: "Writer-director Mike Flanagan and co-writer Jeff Howard have turned Gerald's Game into one of the most compelling, eerie, memorable Stephen King adaptations to date."
And yet another praised its chilling impact: "Gerald's Game is a symphony of suspense and scares, spiked with just the right amount of gruesome gore."
The audience's feedback echoes the critics' acclaim, adding to the chorus of approval for the film.
One viewer was captivated by the film's unexpected depth, adding: "This movie is an enigma. On paper, it sounds like a boring movie: a woman is stuck, handcuffed to a bed for a long time, she eventually escapes. It was considered unfilmable for quite a while. But Mike Flanagan did a great job with this film and at this point, it's like he's physically incapable of making a bad King adaptation."
Another cinema-goer praised the film's edge-of-the-seat quality, saying: "This movie was one of the most disturbing and suspenseful movies I have ever watched, and it was awesome. Sometimes the plot and story were a little slow and boring, but it was worth it to feel the intensity of the movie. Another great adaptation of Stephen King's work! I enjoyed watching it, I highly recommend it for fans of horror and thrillers!".
A different fan appreciated the storytelling, writing: "This was a fun movie to watch, the characters felt fully thought out. The story is such a simple one to tell but incredibly rich with back story about our main character."
And yet another viewer lauded the film as a standout, commenting: "One of the best adaptations to Stephen King's works.
"The substance was there and the story was well developed."