Pet Sematary (1989 film directed by Mary Lambert)
“Pet Sematary” is a classic horror film that continues to terrify and fascinate audiences. Directed by Mary Lambert and based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King, the film is a dark and unsettling journey into the depths of grief, loss, and the consequences of rash decisions.
Plot
The story focuses on the Creed family: Louis, a doctor, his wife Rachel, and their two children, Ellie and Gage. They move to a quiet rural house in Maine, hoping to start a new life away from the chaos of the city. But their new home hides a terrible secret: in the woods behind their property lies a pet cemetery, known as “Pet Sematary.”
Soon, Louis discovers another cemetery beyond the pet cemetery, an ancient Indian burial ground with the power to bring back to life those who are buried there. Vic Crandall, the neighbor, tells Louis about the legends tied to the place, but also warns him of its terrible consequences.
When Ellie’s cat, Church, is hit by a car, Louis, urged by Vic, decides to bury it in the Indian burial ground. Church returns, but it is no longer the same: it is cold, aggressive, and sinister. Tragedy truly strikes when little Gage is hit and killed by a truck. Louis, devastated by grief, decides to bury Gage in the Indian burial ground despite Vic’s warnings.
Gage returns, but like Church, he is no longer the sweet child he once was. His resurrection brings a trail of death and destruction, culminating in a tragic and horrifying climax.
Cast and Production
Dale Midkiff plays Louis Creed, the protagonist of the film. Denise Crosby plays Louis’s wife. Fred Gwynne plays the friendly but enigmatic neighbor. Miko Hughes plays Gage Creed, the young Creed son.
Blaze Berdahl plays Ellie Creed, the eldest Creed child, and finally Brad Greenquist plays Victor Pascow, a student who becomes a sort of spirit guide for Louis.
Mary Lambert managed to capture the essence of Stephen King’s novel, maintaining a dark and disturbing tone throughout the film. Stephen King himself wrote the screenplay, ensuring that the film adaptation remained true to his original vision.
The film’s locations, primarily in Maine, help create a sinister and isolated atmosphere, perfect for the story. The soundtrack, composed by Elliot Goldenthal, adds additional layers of tension and fear, contributing to making “Pet Sematary” a truly harrowing experience.
Sequels and Remake
The film’s success led to a sequel, “Pet Sematary Two” (1992), also directed by Mary Lambert. However, the sequel did not achieve the same success as the first film. In 2019, a remake directed by Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer brought the story back to the big screen, introducing new interpretations and changes compared to the 1989 original.
Conclusion
“Pet Sematary” is not just a horror film, but a profound reflection on the consequences of grief and despair. With a compelling plot, memorable characters, and a disturbing mise-en-scène, the film remains a landmark in the horror genre and has become a cult classic among fans of the genre.
