Directed by Mike Flanagan, Doctor Sleep (2019) is a masterful and emotionally rich horror-drama that bridges the terrifying legacy of The Shining with its own unique identity. Based on Stephen King’s 2013 novel, the film manages the difficult task of honoring both King’s literary world and Stanley Kubrick’s iconic 1980 adaptation — a balancing act that few thought possible.
The story picks up decades after the traumatic events at the Overlook Hotel. Dan Torrance (Ewan McGregor) is now an emotionally shattered adult battling alcoholism, trauma, and the psychic burden of “the shining” — the telepathic ability he once barely understood. Haunted by the ghosts of his past (literally and figuratively), Dan struggles to stay sober and anonymous… until he meets Abra Stone (Kyliegh Curran), a young girl with a shining far stronger than his own.
But Abra has drawn the attention of The True Knot, a roaming cult of psychic vampires led by the seductive and terrifying Rose the Hat (Rebecca Ferguson). They feed on “steam” — the psychic essence released when gifted children are tortured to death. Dan must confront his past, embrace his abilities, and return to the place where it all began: the Overlook.
Doctor Sleep is not a traditional horror film. It’s a slow-burn blend of supernatural thriller, emotional character study, and dark fantasy, with a few moments of brutal violence and deep psychological terror.
Ewan McGregor brings quiet intensity and wounded vulnerability to Dan, portraying a man constantly at war with himself — a perfect mirror of his haunted childhood. Kyliegh Curran is a revelation as Abra, delivering one of the strongest child performances in recent genre cinema. But it’s Rebecca Ferguson who steals the show. Her Rose the Hat is chilling, seductive, and oddly charismatic — a villain that feels mythic.
Mike Flanagan’s direction is patient, poetic, and respectful. Known for The Haunting of Hill House, Flanagan brings a humanist eye to horror. His choice to recreate scenes from The Shining using new actors (instead of CGI de-aging) feels reverent rather than gimmicky. The sound design, use of light, and slow, steady camera movements evoke the unease of Kubrick, while injecting more heart and empathy.
While the film didn’t ignite the box office, it has since gained recognition as an ambitious and emotionally intelligent sequel that treats trauma with seriousness and the supernatural with awe.
While Doctor Sleep offered a conclusive ending, there’s potential for a spiritual sequel. Imagine Abra Stone as a young adult, now dealing with the responsibility of having unmatched psychic power — and becoming a beacon that draws a new generation of "shiners" toward her.
In Shine, she could uncover a hidden society of shining children — some lost, some corrupted. A new villain, perhaps born from the remnants of the Overlook’s psychic rot, could be attempting to create an army of shiners under his control. Abra, now more hardened but morally conflicted, must lead a group of young psychics in a battle not of fists, but of minds and wills.
Doctor Sleep is a rare sequel that justifies its existence. It honors its terrifying roots while expanding the mythology with emotional depth, stunning visuals, and unforgettable characters. More meditative than manic, it reminds us that some horror stories aren’t just about monsters — they’re about healing from the things we never escaped.
