Misery (1990)
After an accident, acclaimed novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued by a nurse who claims to be his biggest fan. Her obsession takes a dark turn when she holds him captive in her remote Colorado home and forces him to write back to life the popular literary character he killed off.
Details
Budget
$20,000,000
Rating
8/10 (4751 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Castle Rock Entertainment, Nelson Entertainment, Columbia Pictures
About Misery
The 1990 film "Misery" is a thriller rooted in the psychological horror of an author's confinement by his self-proclaimed biggest fan. The story follows acclaimed novelist Paul Sheldon after a car crash leaves him injured and at the mercy of Annie Wilkes, a nurse whose initial care quickly devolves into a brutal captivity. Wilkes, a superfan of Sheldon's "Misery" series, becomes enraged upon discovering he has killed off her favorite character. She then forces him to resurrect the character in a new novel, using increasingly violent methods of persuasion.
The film explores themes of obsession, control, and the dark side of fandom, set against the isolated backdrop of rural Colorado during a blizzard. It leverages a claustrophobic atmosphere, as Sheldon is bedridden and cut off from the outside world. The narrative builds tension through the power dynamics between the trapped author and his erratic captor, emphasizing the psychological torment rather than overt gore.
The movie is a drama and thriller, drawing on elements of psychological horror. Key aspects include the portrayal of Annie Wilkes as a psychotic, disturbed, and obsessive fan, and the physical and mental torture inflicted upon Sheldon. Its grounding in a "based on novel or book" source material, specifically by Stephen King, contributes to its reputation as a significant entry in the psychological thriller genre.
Why you might be searching for Misery
People often search for "Misery" because of its memorable portrayal of an obsessed fan and the chilling performances by its lead actors. The film is known for its psychological intensity and the specific, iconic scenes of torture and manipulation, particularly Annie Wilkes's "hobbling" of Paul Sheldon. Its status as a classic psychological thriller based on a Stephen King novel also makes it a frequent search query for those interested in the genre or the author's adaptations.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer noted that while James Caan delivers strong facial expressions, particularly towards the film's conclusion, it is Kathy Bates's menacing yet seemingly angelic performance that truly stands out.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "Misery" on HBO Max and Amazon Channel. It's also available for purchase or rent on platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home. If you prefer physical media, you can buy it on DVD or Blu-ray from retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
"Misery" is not based on a true story. It is a 1990 American psychological horror thriller film directed by Rob Reiner, adapted from Stephen King's 1987 novel of the same name.
At the end of "Misery," Paul Sheldon pretends to finish his novel and then, during a struggle, sets the manuscript on fire, preventing Annie from knowing Misery's ultimate fate. He hits Annie with the typewriter and later kills her by striking her with an iron doorstop. Eighteen months later, Paul is walking with a cane and has written a new, critically acclaimed novel. He still thinks about Annie occasionally, and when a waitress tells him she's his "number one fan," he meekly replies, "That's very sweet of you."
Yes, "Misery" is widely considered worth watching. It has an 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising it as one of the best Stephen King adaptations due to the standout performances by James Caan and Kathy Bates. Kathy Bates even won an Oscar for her role.