The work of horror author Stephen King has inspired so many great films and shows over the years. Of course, it can be difficult to keep track of them all. Here’s a recommendation for one intense Stephen King adaptation you may have missed on Netflix – which was directed by none other than Mike Flanagan.
Flanagan has made a name for himself both on and off Netflix, having been involved with several exclusive films and shows for the streaming platform. With original titles that include Hush and Midnight Mass, Flanagan also helmed the theatrical King adaptation Doctor Sleep. As for Netflix, however, he chose to adapt a King story that was long considered impossible to film.
The story has a very unique setting, one which sees its protagonist trapped in a singular area. Of course, that’s a great opportunity to induce some psychological horror, as King’s novel exceled in doing. Flanagan takes those concepts and somehow makes it all work for a cinematic interpretation.
The Mike Flanagan Netflix film based on the Stephen King novel, Gerald’s Game, revolves around Carla Gugino’s Jessie Burlingame and her husband, Gerald, played by Bruce Greenwood. The two take a vacation at an isolated lake house. During their time there, however, the two decide to spice up their relationship with a game of bondage, which leaves Jessie cuffed to their bed. One thing leads to another and Gerald suffers a heart attack, with Jessie forced to survive as she battles her inner demons and some that may be more real than she suspects.
Mike Flanagan directed Gerald’s Game from a screenplay he co-wrote with Jeff Howard based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name. The cast includes Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood, Carel Struycken, Henry Thomas, and Kate Siegel.
Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for more recommendations on Netflix and other such streaming services as we have them to offer, including other Stephen King adaptations. The master of horror has contributed to many great films and shows over the years, with Gerald’s Game being just one small example.