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" adapts Stephen King's novel into a psychological thriller. It explores themes of obsession and captivity through the story of a popular author, Paul Sheldon, who becomes trapped in the isolated home of his self-proclaimed 'number one fan,' Annie Wilkes. After a car accident in a blizzard, Wilkes, a former nurse, rescues Sheldon, only for her admiration to turn menacing when she discovers he has killed off her favorite character in his latest manuscript. The narrative focuses on the power dynamics within the confines of Wilkes' Colorado home, as Sheldon grapples with his injuries and his captor's increasingly volatile demands.
The film maintains a suspenseful atmosphere, driven by the claustrophobic setting and the psychological torment inflicted by Wilkes. It delves into the dark side of fandom and the vulnerability of a creator at the mercy of their audience. With genres spanning drama and thriller, the story is marked by psychological tension rather than explicit gore, though moments of violence punctuate the deepening conflict between the two main characters. The isolated, rural setting further emphasizes Sheldon's helplessness and Wilkes' control.
Why you might be searching for Misery
Many people are likely searching for "Misery" due to its iconic portrayal of an obsessed fan and the intense, claustrophobic psychological horror. Specific scenes of physical and psychological torment, the dynamic between the author and his captor, and the isolated setting make it memorable. The film's depiction of a writer held captive and forced to alter his work resonates, as do the memorable performances by its lead actors.
What reviewers are saying
Novelist Paul Sheldon crashes his car in wintery Colorado and is rescued by nurse Annie, who is a superfan of his work, but her care takes a dark turn when she begins to coerce him regarding his latest book.
Read the full reviewAs Paul remains isolated and fed sedatives, his publisher Marcia grows concerned, prompting the local sheriff Buster to investigate his disappearance, a race against time given Annie's increasingly obsessive behavior.
Read the full reviewWhile James Caan delivers strong facial expressions, particularly as the film progresses, Kathy Bates' performance as Annie is noted as a menacing and central force in the movie.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
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You can stream the movie Misery on Max or Hulu, or rent/buy it on platforms like Amazon and Google Play.
At the end of Misery, Paul Sheldon battles Annie Wilkes, ultimately killing her by stuffing a burned manuscript page in her mouth and hitting her with a typewriter. He is later shown to be a successful author, haunted by Annie but no longer physically captive, as he works on a new book.
Misery is widely considered a classic thriller, with many praising Kathy Bates' Academy Award-winning performance as Annie Wilkes and the film's suspenseful atmosphere, making it a highly recommended watch for fans of the genre.