Stephen King states that this is his favorite of his novels, so he adapted the screenplay for this series. Those expecting the typical King supernatural frights will be very disappointed. There’s an otherworldly element, but this film falls squarely in the psychological drama territory. Julianne Moore plays the widow of a beloved writer (Clive Owen) who must deal with his past, as well as her mentally distraught sister (Joan Allan cherishing the opportunity to be frumpy and out of it). There’s LOTS of brooding and mental suffering. The ominous music and sound design does the heavy lifting to an element of suspense and even so, there isn’t any. Anyone hoping for a creepy King experience will be disappointed by this tedious, self-absorbed drama. I gave up after the 3 episodes that have been released so far (more coming every Friday). 
(2 / 5)
