Review: Gerald's Game

(imdb.com)

Often left to fill supporting roles or evil antagonist ones, middle-aged to older characters in horror movies are rarely central. Even films where the couple is older, their teenage kids are often the focus. Movies like Insidious brought a stronger sense of centrality with Lin Shaye's Elise, but even these characters are almost always left to be the mystical medium or ghost hunter. Bookshop owners, groundskeepers, parents; all of these titles are given to older actors and actresses in the horror industry. But where are the starring roles? Where are the roles featuring the childless couple stalked or haunted on a remote plot of land? Well, Gerald's Game offers just that.

Adapted from the 1992 Stephen King novel of the same name, Gerald's Game follows a couple looking to revitalize their relationship at a vacation home in rural Maine. Upon arrival, the pair encounters a large stray dog before the husband sweeps his wife into the bedroom. There, he spices up their intimate life and handcuffs her to the bed. He then proceeds to have a heart attack and die, leaving her trapped.

Gerald's Game stars Carla Gugino (Sucker Punch) and Bruce Greenwood (Hollywood Homicide) as Jessie and Gerald Burlingame. The pair works absolutely fantastic with each other, despite some visible age differences. Throughout the film, Gugino is the truest star, holding most of the dialogue, tension and plot on her back alone. She creates an accomplished character that entraps the viewer in her emotions and struggles. But, Greenwood is also great as a banter-providing vision in Jessie's slow descent into insanity.

Throughout the movie, viewers can expect to be horrified, disgusted and moved. Despite its single - although beautiful location - this movie provides quite a rollercoaster of emotion. As predictable as the dog's reappearance is, there's nothing placid about its mangy animal unpredictability and instinct. The inclusion of a man "made of moonlight" provides some terrifying and mysterious fodder to the thrilling story and the eventual attempts to escape makes for something brutal and wincing. The glossy and well-shot setting, dim and spooky, is perfect for the fall and by the film's end, audiences should feel sufficiently terrified. The film suffers a little from pacing, as many slow burn films do. But, it gives enough padding and direction to maintain interest; a testament to Gugino's abilities as an actor.

 

2017 could be named the year of Stephen King. With two successful adaptations already strong-arming the media industry this year, King's prolific work proves to transcend time. But, where IT found its sparkle in the courage of youth, Gerald's Game finds its strength in the perseverance of the experienced and well-traveled. It's a dark and brooding film with a soul that'll pull heartstrings and scare simultaneously. Gerald's Game is a slow-burn that'll leave you crispy. 7 out 10.