1922 – A Stephen King Story – Movie Review (3/5)

1922 is the new Netflix horror thriller based on a Stephen King story. It’s VERY dark and gritty with Thomas Jane in perfect form.

1922 is a very welcomed return for Thomas Jane to the universe of Stephen King. After all, Thomas Jane starred in one of the best Stephen King adaptations with The Mist.

Also, it’s yet another Stephen King story being adapted as a Netflix Original. Basically, this means anyone with a Netflix account will get to enjoy it when it’s released. A real treat for horror fans all over the world.

And, of course, the fact that Thomas Jane is the lead character in 1922 was like Christmas coming early. Then again, the Halloween month of October does feel like Christmas for most horror fans.

I didn’t know this particular Stephen Kingstory, but that didn’t surprise me. I’ve read a lot of Stephen King and he is one of my very favorite authors. However, the man has written so much that if you were too read everything by him, I would be playing a crazy game of catch-up.

Thomas Jane should do a Stephen King adaptation yearly

Look, I’m not even going to try and restrain myself. I absolutely love the combination of Thomas Jane and Stephen King. It’s like a match made in horror heaven in my book.

And, believe me, the character Thomas Jane portrayed in The Mist is nothing like the one he portrays in 1922. Then again, this is very obvious to anyone who’s watched the trailer.

Thomas Jane also narates the movie itself and let me tell you; I had no idea how much I loved the man’s voice till he started speaking in a voice-over when 1922 began.

He has the most gritty drawl and yet perfect enunciation. How he managed this is beyond me. I just know that I want him to do a million audiobooks next. Also, Thomas Jane needs to do Stephen King based projects at least yearly.

The pace will throw some people off

Obviously, I really like what Thomas Jane does in this movie. The same goes for Molly Parker (House of Cards), who plays the wife in a perfect supporting role.

And Dylan Schmid is the son in the household. He was mesmerizing and could easily hold his own. Even when playing across a formidable Thomas Jane.

The reason our rating isn’t higher for 1922 is because of the pace. The story – and contents of the movie – could have been a brilliant horror thriller. To me, however, the result was more of a good thriller drama with horror elements.

I can’t say I didn’t love the style of writer and director Zak Hilditch, but I felt like it could’ve been a better horror movie. It would’ve meant less drama and I think many people enjoy that as well.

Personally, an intense horror thriller would just have made 1922 even better. The psychological horror could’ve been a focus point earlier and it would’ve made 1922 a horror classic.

Still, you definitely need to check out this latest Stephen King adaptation made by Netflix.

1922 is available worldwide on Netflix from October 20, 2017. 

Details

Director: Zak Hilditch
Writer: Zak Hilditch (based on a short story by Stephen King)
Cast: Thomas Jane, Molly Parker, Dylan Schmid, Neal McDonough, Kaitlyn Bernard

Plot

A simple yet proud rancher in the year 1922 conspires to murder his wife for financial gain, convincing his teenage son to participate.