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DaveySmithy (107 KP) rated The Dead Zone (1983) in Movies
Dec 3, 2024
A Chilling and Thoughtful Thriller
David Cronenberg’s The Dead Zone (1983) is a film that quietly lingers with you long after the credits roll. Adapted from Stephen King’s novel, it’s a rare blend of psychological horror, heartfelt drama, and supernatural thriller that doesn’t rely on cheap scares to grip its audience. Instead, it uses its haunting premise, a strong central performance by Christopher Walken, and Cronenberg’s understated direction to craft a deeply unsettling exploration of fate, morality, and the burden of knowing the future.
The story follows Johnny Smith (Walken), an ordinary schoolteacher whose life is upended when a car accident leaves him in a coma for five years. When he awakens, he discovers he has gained the ability to see people’s pasts and futures through physical contact—a gift that feels more like a curse. What begins as an attempt to understand and use this newfound power for good spirals into a dark moral dilemma when Johnny foresees a catastrophic future involving a rising politician, Greg Stillson (Martin Sheen).
Christopher Walken is the emotional core of the film, delivering one of his most human and vulnerable performances. He masterfully conveys Johnny’s pain, loneliness, and reluctant heroism, making his character deeply sympathetic. Walken’s portrayal grounds the supernatural elements of the story, ensuring they never feel far-fetched. Martin Sheen is equally compelling as the menacing and unhinged Stillson, a character whose ambition and ruthlessness are frighteningly plausible.
Cronenberg, known for his visceral body horror, takes a restrained approach here, focusing on mood and atmosphere over gore. This subtlety works to the film’s advantage, allowing the tension to simmer until its gripping climax. The muted color palette and moody score by Michael Kamen add to the sense of dread, perfectly capturing the eerie small-town setting.
However, The Dead Zone isn’t without its flaws. The pacing occasionally drags, and some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped. Additionally, the episodic structure—though true to the novel—can make the narrative feel uneven.
Despite these minor issues, The Dead Zone is an intelligent and emotionally resonant thriller that explores heavy themes with nuance. It may not be as flashy as other Stephen King adaptations, but its quiet power and moral complexity make it a standout. A solid 8/10.
The story follows Johnny Smith (Walken), an ordinary schoolteacher whose life is upended when a car accident leaves him in a coma for five years. When he awakens, he discovers he has gained the ability to see people’s pasts and futures through physical contact—a gift that feels more like a curse. What begins as an attempt to understand and use this newfound power for good spirals into a dark moral dilemma when Johnny foresees a catastrophic future involving a rising politician, Greg Stillson (Martin Sheen).
Christopher Walken is the emotional core of the film, delivering one of his most human and vulnerable performances. He masterfully conveys Johnny’s pain, loneliness, and reluctant heroism, making his character deeply sympathetic. Walken’s portrayal grounds the supernatural elements of the story, ensuring they never feel far-fetched. Martin Sheen is equally compelling as the menacing and unhinged Stillson, a character whose ambition and ruthlessness are frighteningly plausible.
Cronenberg, known for his visceral body horror, takes a restrained approach here, focusing on mood and atmosphere over gore. This subtlety works to the film’s advantage, allowing the tension to simmer until its gripping climax. The muted color palette and moody score by Michael Kamen add to the sense of dread, perfectly capturing the eerie small-town setting.
However, The Dead Zone isn’t without its flaws. The pacing occasionally drags, and some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped. Additionally, the episodic structure—though true to the novel—can make the narrative feel uneven.
Despite these minor issues, The Dead Zone is an intelligent and emotionally resonant thriller that explores heavy themes with nuance. It may not be as flashy as other Stephen King adaptations, but its quiet power and moral complexity make it a standout. A solid 8/10.
Excellent psychological thriller
Excellent from start to finish!
A topical and relevant storyline told in a very sensitive but authentic way. There are sections that I found difficult to read due to the subject matter but they were all necessary and although I don't have any experience in this area (thank goodness), it came across as being an accurate reflection on just how easy it can be for some despicable people to seek out, manipulate and take advantage of the most vulnerable children in our society.
There are characters that you'll love and characters that you'll love to hate but all believable; my personal favourite was Wendy which might seem a little strange given how she is introduced to us but give her time, she will definitely grow on you! The setting felt right for the story and I was pleased that it didn't take place in a city; it helped to add an even more sinister feel as it felt more "normal" somehow.
There are twists and turns that had me on edge and I went through all manner of emotions during the course of this book ... sadness, disgust, anger, frustration, anticipation ... that I didn't want to stop reading.
Overall, a disturbing and chilling read but thrilling and gripping and although the subject matter is distasteful and difficult to stomach at times, this book certainly isn't and I highly recommend it to any psychological thriller fans.
My thanks go to the publisher, Avon Books UK, via NetGalley, for my copy in return for an honest review.
A topical and relevant storyline told in a very sensitive but authentic way. There are sections that I found difficult to read due to the subject matter but they were all necessary and although I don't have any experience in this area (thank goodness), it came across as being an accurate reflection on just how easy it can be for some despicable people to seek out, manipulate and take advantage of the most vulnerable children in our society.
There are characters that you'll love and characters that you'll love to hate but all believable; my personal favourite was Wendy which might seem a little strange given how she is introduced to us but give her time, she will definitely grow on you! The setting felt right for the story and I was pleased that it didn't take place in a city; it helped to add an even more sinister feel as it felt more "normal" somehow.
There are twists and turns that had me on edge and I went through all manner of emotions during the course of this book ... sadness, disgust, anger, frustration, anticipation ... that I didn't want to stop reading.
Overall, a disturbing and chilling read but thrilling and gripping and although the subject matter is distasteful and difficult to stomach at times, this book certainly isn't and I highly recommend it to any psychological thriller fans.
My thanks go to the publisher, Avon Books UK, via NetGalley, for my copy in return for an honest review.
The nerdy birdie (67 KP) rated The Other Woman in Books
Jul 2, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley & St.Martin's Press & Minotaur books for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review! I tried to win this in a Bookish giveaway but was a bit sad when I didn't win ! Surprise I still got my hands on it thanks to you all ...It was meant to be ❤️??
Yes ! Yes! Yes! Yes!!!!! This book is everything you could possibly want in a thriller !!!!! Believe me I try to read almost every single thriller including both New Releases and the oldies but goodies! I am a huge critic when it comes to plot twists and pacing of a suspenseful novel and this one was spot on since page one! Gripping & addictive! Highly relatable characters, even the ones you can't stand, and wildly aggressive dialogue. I felt like I was Emily and was feeling her pain; her struggles!
I had a sneaking suspicion the entire time that I knew what was going on with good ol " Mum" but this book was so phenomenally written that I wasn't quite sure.
I read this in less than a 24 hour time span and literally could not put it down! I even brought my iPad along with me for the ride to the restaurant For dinner haha!
Un-putdownable ( I made my own word) I fell asleep with it in my arms! This is the first Netgalley book to be added to my favorites shelf ????
I'm pretty sure that this is a debut novel for Sandie Jones as well---- I commend you! Well done ❤️ Can't wait for more from her !!!
Yes ! Yes! Yes! Yes!!!!! This book is everything you could possibly want in a thriller !!!!! Believe me I try to read almost every single thriller including both New Releases and the oldies but goodies! I am a huge critic when it comes to plot twists and pacing of a suspenseful novel and this one was spot on since page one! Gripping & addictive! Highly relatable characters, even the ones you can't stand, and wildly aggressive dialogue. I felt like I was Emily and was feeling her pain; her struggles!
I had a sneaking suspicion the entire time that I knew what was going on with good ol " Mum" but this book was so phenomenally written that I wasn't quite sure.
I read this in less than a 24 hour time span and literally could not put it down! I even brought my iPad along with me for the ride to the restaurant For dinner haha!
Un-putdownable ( I made my own word) I fell asleep with it in my arms! This is the first Netgalley book to be added to my favorites shelf ????
I'm pretty sure that this is a debut novel for Sandie Jones as well---- I commend you! Well done ❤️ Can't wait for more from her !!!
Fragments of the Lost
7.0
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Book
From the New York Times bestselling author of All the Missing Girls and The Perfect Stranger comes a...
thriller
The Living and the Dead in Winsford
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Winner of the Rosenkrantz Award for Best Thriller of the Year From the bestselling, award-winning...
Get Rich or Get Lucky
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Get Rich or Get Lucky is a gripping fantasy thriller that follows Adam who finds himself in control...
What She Knew
8.1
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Book
***Previously published as BURNT PAPER SKY*** THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER In her enthralling...
You Were Never Really Here
Book
A hammer was Joe's favourite weapon. He was his father's son, after all Soon to become a film...
AH
After Hitchcock: Influence, Imitation, and Intertextuality
R. Barton Palmer and David Boyd
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Alfred Hitchcock is arguably the most famous director to have ever made a film. Almost...
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated The Lie (2020) in Movies
Nov 18, 2020
To sum up The Lie in one word - frustrating.
This recent thriller from Blumhouse, based on 2015 German film Wir Monster, has a lot of good ingredients, and some decent performances but there's just so much that bogs it down.
First off, the lead cast here are great. Peter Sarsgaard and Mireille Enos in particular are heart wrenchingly believable as two parents desperately trying to protect their teen daughter (Joey King) who has confessed to impulsively murdering one of her friends. It's a slow burn of a plot, and Sarsgaard and Enos do a hell of a lot to make it watchable.
Joey King's character is stupidly unlikable however. I got the feeling that we as the audience were supposed to be on her side, hoping that she wouldn't get caught - like the filmmakers we're going for a Psycho vibe or something, but her character is so obnoxious and spoilt, that all I wanted was for her to go to prison. It's a big hiccup considering the narrative centres around her so severely.
Then there's the twist - no spoilers here, but fuck me, it's stupid. All good thrillers need a good twist to round things off, but the one we're subjected to here requires a huge suspension of disbelief on the viewers part. It asks too much, and ruins what is otherwise a fairly tense and minimalist thriller.
The snowy setting adds some beauty to the films aesthetic, but it's not enough to detract from everything that makes The Lie more unenjoyable than it should be.
This recent thriller from Blumhouse, based on 2015 German film Wir Monster, has a lot of good ingredients, and some decent performances but there's just so much that bogs it down.
First off, the lead cast here are great. Peter Sarsgaard and Mireille Enos in particular are heart wrenchingly believable as two parents desperately trying to protect their teen daughter (Joey King) who has confessed to impulsively murdering one of her friends. It's a slow burn of a plot, and Sarsgaard and Enos do a hell of a lot to make it watchable.
Joey King's character is stupidly unlikable however. I got the feeling that we as the audience were supposed to be on her side, hoping that she wouldn't get caught - like the filmmakers we're going for a Psycho vibe or something, but her character is so obnoxious and spoilt, that all I wanted was for her to go to prison. It's a big hiccup considering the narrative centres around her so severely.
Then there's the twist - no spoilers here, but fuck me, it's stupid. All good thrillers need a good twist to round things off, but the one we're subjected to here requires a huge suspension of disbelief on the viewers part. It asks too much, and ruins what is otherwise a fairly tense and minimalist thriller.
The snowy setting adds some beauty to the films aesthetic, but it's not enough to detract from everything that makes The Lie more unenjoyable than it should be.