Oh my goodness… I have a new favorite book-to-film adaptation! The 1989 film adaptation of Pet Sematary was perfect.
When I finished watching it, I immediately jumped up and went to tell my husband how much I loved it!
If you missed my book review, feel free to check that out here.
Let’s dive in to my quick review of the film!
My Brief Thoughts About the Pet Sematary Film
We all know that book-to-film adaptations can be a bit tricky. Personally, I try to go into films based on novels with an open mind. I understand that many details will be left out simply for time and the sake of keeping the story rolling for the viewer who needs things to happen rather quickly.
In this film, there were a handful of things that differed from the book, but it wasn’t anything major. For the most part, it was all pretty spot-on!
The atmosphere was wicked creepy and looked great! All of the camera shots were so artistic and wonderfully framed. The makeup and other visual elements were amazing! The violence was super realistic. The acting was wonderful. The storyline followed the plot of the book. And the pacing was quick, but it didn’t hesitate to slow down when it needed to.
All of the actors were just perfect for their roles! The kid actors did an especially amazing job. I mean, Miko Hughes as Gage Creed? Could that have been any more ideal?
I was really excited to see Stephen King’s cameo at one point in the film! It’s always exciting when they include the author.
The creepiness and dread began right at the beginning of the film, and just like in the book it continued to build up more and more until the end, which plays out as many watchers may be able to predict, but it is still alarming nonetheless.
My gosh, the ending… This is an ending that will really stick with you and give you nightmares! If you’ve seen this film, you know the exact scene that I mean when I say that it made me cringe and continues to make me cringe just thinking about it!
My Final Thoughts on the Pet Sematary Adaptation
I really loved this adaptation! I appreciated how closely it stuck to the book. Definitely one that I will be watching again and again!
I can’t believe it took me so long to finally get to both the book and the film!
Next up, I’ll be watching the 2019 film adaptation, so stay tuned for my thoughts on that!
Book Rating: 4 stars | Film Rating: 5 stars
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Thanks for reading!
Have you read or watched this tale? If so, what did you think?
I’m actually looking forward to seeing the new adaptation as it looks scary. This wasn’t one of my favourite King books but I’ll give it a try.
I’m looking forward to it too! Though now that I’ve seen the original, my hopes are pretty high for the new one. Fingers crossed!
It’s always nice when a book and its adaptation are equally wonderful! I like that it stayed so true to the book.
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Yes, I loved this one too. Of course, I first saw it when I was much too young though. 🙂
Oh no!! haha that happened to my husband too. The film I remember seeing way too young was The Birds, eek!