The third act of Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer’s new adaptation of Stephen King’s revered novel Pet Sematary isn’t afraid to really let go of preconceived notions and lean in hard to its R-rating. We loved it (review). But sitting down with Kölsch and Widmyer on the heels of the film’s premiere gave insight to just how supportive the studio was in terms of going full dark, no stars.
In our chat with the directors, they tease an alternate ending to look out for in the home release, who’s responsible for the Ramones song “Sheena Is a Punk Rocker” making its way into a pivotal scene by way of an Easter egg in homage to the novel, and more!
I reviewed the film for us out of SXSW, writing: “Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer don’t bother retreading the story we know and instead give us something far more satisfying in its own right. Instead, they give us a story so bone-chilling, so substantial, and even with a little bit of humor to alleviate the brutal blow of abject terror.”
“It’s shocking, heartbreaking [and] freaking scary.”
“Based on the novel by Stephen King, Pet Sematary follows Dr. Louis Creed, who, after relocating with his wife Rachel and their two young children from Boston to rural Maine, discovers a mysterious burial ground hidden deep in the woods near the family’s new home. When tragedy strikes, Louis turns to his unusual neighbor, Jud Crandall, setting off a perilous chain reaction that unleashes an unfathomable evil with horrific consequences.”
Jason Clarke and Amy Seimetz are Louis and Rachel Creed, with John Lithgow as Jud Crandall. Twins Hugo Lavoie and Lucas Lavoie play Gage Creed, with Jeté Laurence as Ellie Creed. Obssa Ahmed is playing Victor Pascow, with Alyssa Brooke Levine as Zelda.
Return to the Pet Sematary on April 5, 2019.
