Cemetery of Pets: A Petrifying Original Remake
In the world of cinema, classic horror stories often receive a modern makeover. The latest addition to this trend is the re-release of the 1989 adaptation of Stephen King's Pet Sematary, after nearly a decade. This time around, the film promises a fresh approach, with directors Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer at the helm.
Kölsch and Widmyer, known for their 2014 thriller Starry Eyes, bring their own ideas to achieve a contemporary feel for the film. Their unique vision for Pet Sematary has been supported by the producers, including Lorenzo di Bonaventura, who has a history of adapting King's work.
The horror in Pet Sematary comes from a creeping sense of dread and the exploration of real human issues. The directors aim to retain the attributes that made the earlier cinematic incarnation a cult favourite, while also offering a contemporary twist.
Jeff Buhler, known for his work on The Grudge and Jacob's Ladder, penned the screenplay for the new adaptation. Buhler, a fan of King's work, found the real power of Pet Sematary upon becoming an adult, stating that the horror isn't simply derived from the supernatural events.
The monster in the film is described as loss and what that does to people. The filmmakers plan to include elements from the book that were not in the original movie, creating surprises for longtime fans.
The new film is not a remake of the earlier movie, but rather the directors' interpretation of King's novel. The directors appreciate the support they received from the producers, who picked them because of their unique vision for the film. Their work on Starry Eyes, which premiered at SXSW and earned awards worldwide, is a testament to their creative prowess.
Producer di Bonaventura found the emotional story of Pet Sematary to explore the deeper themes of how we deal with death and grief. He believes the new adaptation will stand alone as an original thriller, while still being faithful enough to the original text to please nostalgic fans.
Widmyer is excited to be part of the current renaissance of Stephen King adaptations. He and Kölsch were attracted to Pet Sematary because it does not lose sight of the characters' humanity in the face of supernatural elements. The directors aim to approach the story with fresh eyes, ensuring that the new Pet Sematary adaptation is a chilling and thought-provoking addition to the horror genre.
