Pet Semetary
Here we go! After the giant success of the updated adaptation of another Stephen King great IT we get a look at another. Can lighting strike twice? can this also a great remake? Simply…yes. Pet Sematary is a solid remake of the horror classic. Fans of the novel and the original 80’s version will be slightly surprised by the changes but they were done tastefully and without distorting it. The new updates is to bring in the new audiences without alienating its original fans. Directors Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer crank up the creepiness with skillful filmmaking techniques.
I wont go into much detail about the plot as if you have read or seen the original you know what you are in for. The film begins with the Creed family moving to the picturesque town of Ludlow, Maine. Louis (Jason Clarke) is a doctor looking to escape the bustle of Boston. His wife, Rachel (Amy Seimetz), suffers anxiety attacks from a traumatic childhood experience. They have two children, a sweet nine-year-old girl, Ellie (Jeté Laurence), and toddler son, Gage (Hugo Lavoie, Lucas Lavoie). Rounding out the Creed clan is Ellie’s fluffy, long-haired cat Church. You will notice some great little easter eggs in this film as well, such as the sign for the town or Derry and some throw backs to the original film but I wont spoil it for you.
Pet Sematary is a well made film.Kolsch and Widmer(Starry Eyes, Holidays) keenly understand the fundamental roots of fear. They don’t just lead you to a scare. The setting is bathed in darkness and dread from the opening frame. They stoke uneasiness, slowly building tension, then strike unexpectedly. They nail a few jump out of your seat moments. The cumulative effect makes the obvious scares more unnerving. Kölsch and Widmyer elevate Pet Sematary beyond the script. They have talent in the genre and were an excellent choice to direct by the studio. The female characters outshine their male counter part co-stars. The young Jete Laurence delivers sweet to sinister performance seamlessly. This is not a perfect film, but it does what it’s supposed to. The scares are there and the creepy level will send chills down your spine.
By Hiram Trillo
Pet Sematary
-Horror
-Rated R
-134 min
