Doctor Sleep (2019)
Doctor Sleep (2019) 
Doctor Sleep (2019), directed by Mike Flanagan, serves as both a sequel to The Shining (1980) and an adaptation of Stephen King’s novel. The film follows Danny Torrance (Ewan McGregor) decades after the traumatic events at the Overlook Hotel, as he struggles with alcoholism and his psychic abilities, known as the “Shine.”
Danny, now going by “Dan,” finds purpose when he befriends a young girl named Abra (Kyliegh Curran), who possesses an incredibly powerful Shine. However, they soon become targets of Rose the Hat (Rebecca Ferguson) and her cult, The True Knot, who feed on the life force of gifted individuals to gain immortality.
The film masterfully blends psychological horror, supernatural elements, and emotional depth. Unlike The Shining, which focused on isolation and madness, Doctor Sleep is more character-driven, exploring themes of trauma, redemption, and confronting the past.
Ewan McGregor delivers a compelling performance, capturing Dan’s struggle between his past demons and his newfound responsibility. Rebecca Ferguson steals the show as Rose the Hat, a chilling yet charismatic villain. Mike Flanagan’s direction pays homage to Kubrick’s The Shining while staying true to King’s vision, creating a visually stunning and emotionally gripping experience.
While the film is slower-paced than traditional horror, its atmosphere, tension, and deep storytelling make it a worthy successor to The Shining.
