Starring Thomas Jane, Andre Braugher, Toby Jones, Laurie Holden, Marcia Gay Harden
Directed by Frank Darabont
The Mist feels like the definitive Stephen King film, which probably comes as no surprise considering director Frank Darabont is responsible for the best adaptations in the author’s 30+ year history. The novella has stood out as one of King’s most celebrated works and has cried out for a movie version, but it’s faced a long road to the screen. Thankfully, it was worth the wait. The Mist is a modern day horror classic in the spirit of movies like Jaws, The Thing, and more recently, The Host.
Following a violent thunderstorm, artist David Drayton (Thomas Jane) and his son find themselves in a world of trouble when a bizarre supernatural mist floods their small Maine town. Taking shelter in the local supermarket, the townsfolk discover the fog conceals vicious Lovecraftian monsters and try to formulate a survival plan. But what lurks outside is nothing compared to what rages inside the minds of men. Mrs Carmody (Marcia Gay Harden), an Old Testament religious nut, views the threat as God’s wrath and takes it upon herself to convert followers into her own warped doomsday cult. As fear gives way to distrust, allegiances are drawn between the panicky survivors and David finds himself going to extreme lengths to protect his son.
The ensemble cast, comprised of several King-movie veterans, turn in solid performances across the board. Just as in Shawshank, Darabont finds a way for you to connect with every character on some level, no matter how small their roles are. In particular, Thomas Jane gets his chance to shine in his tortured hero role, while Toby Jones easily takes the crowd favorite as Ollie, the geeky take-charge store manager. But it’s Harden who steals the show, winning the Captain Rhodes Award as a villain you will hate with every fiber of your being. Imagine Carrie’s mom cranked up on speed, and even though Darbont humanizes the character, it doesn’t make her any less frightening.
There is one element of The Mist that will be a source of major controversy: The ending. Without giving anything away, Darabont expands on King’s ambiguous finale and delivers an emotional gut punch so shocking it’s a wonder it ever escaped through the studio system. It may very well be the ballsiest ending in horror cinema, and mainstream audiences and King purists will no doubt be screaming for Darabont’s blood when the credits roll. Heated arguments will rage over the point of the new ending, but it’s far more dramatically satisfying, keeping in line with the tone and themes of the film. Detractors will hate it simply because it’s too effective and that’s the brilliance of The Mist – it divides those who want cheap escapist thrills from those who like their horror with real heart, brains, and courage.
5 out of 5
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