Doctor Sleep has geared fans up for a return to the Overlook since its first trailer, and the fear rises as the time nears. The latest trailer for the sequel is heavy on allusions to The Shining, though fans may wonder which one.
Stephen King publicly disagreed with Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 film, and his 2013 Doctor Sleep naturally novel ignored it. Mike Flanagan’s film, however, connects both the original Shining novel and film. Whether this choice will be well-received or not has yet to be seen. Nevertheless, the final trailer below sets up the plot clearly and establishes Danny’s link to his Stephen King past.
The film revisits Danny Torrance (Ewan McGregor) as an adult, as he tries to leave the horrors of the Overlook behind. That proves impossible when he meets Abra (Kyliegh Curran), a young girl with the same “shining” gift. Together they must defeat an evil being known as Rose the Hat (Rebecca Ferguson) and her band of followers. Doctor Sleep clearly draws from the seeds Stephen King planted in his first novel.
What Does This All Mean?
If the Overlook Hotel’s presence was in question before, Danny’s repetition of “a place” – not to mention all the old guests – in the trailer removes all doubt. But a return to the scene of The Shining could be Doctor Sleep‘s salvation – or its undoing. As important as the past is to Danny’s future, the film shouldn’t ignore his present. After all, the title of the film – stemming from the comfort he provides dying hospice patients – is barely referenced. It’s unclear how much of his psychological struggles we will see before the Overlook’s visitors “come back.”
Are you looking forward to Doctor Sleep, and which version of The Shining do you claim? Is Ewan McGregor the grown up Danny you always dreamed of? Let us know in the comments below, and check That Hashtag Show for the latest news on your favorite films.
