Stephen King movies are usually on two ends of the spectrum, they tend to be either ridiculous or superb. Many times his monstrous horror stories don’t translate well to film. Things that sound laughable when described in a plot synopsis, he writes with style and nuance, and always impeccable storytelling. Those stories aren’t always handled with the deftness required, and the films they’re based on suffer for it. I was really happy that 2017 and 2019’s two chapters of “It” worked really well.

It’s often the more-psychological examples of King’s work that make the best film. “Doctor Sleep” is a perfect example of this. I’d been excited when I’d heard about a sequel he’d written to “The Shining,” but hadn’t managed to read it yet, so I was looking forward to seeing it in the theaters. I was really happy that the film delivered on all of my expectations.

The movie references the original in many places, and deftly emulates its look and feel. When I heard the same strains of the familiar score and a sweeping aerial shot opened the film, I gave a happy chuckle as I knew I was in for a good ride. There are several callbacks to the original events of “The Shining” and they recreate both the sets and also cast actors who resemble the original cast. It’s quite seamless and organic, and a quite a lot of fun.

Without giving away too much of the plot. The film deals with Danny Torrence, having survived his childhood ordeal and still haunted by the events and his touch with the paranormal. He’s stumbled through life adrift and out of touch with those around him, to try and avoid his shining gift, until he’s forced to confront a new terrific threat.

Like the original story, “Doctor Sleep” works because it not only tells and interesting paranormal story, but it also has compelling and fleshed out characters driving the plot forward. If you were a fan of “The Shining,” this film is definitely worth watching.