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Fantastic Fest hosted the world premiere of the latest Stephen King adaptation, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines. Based on an excerpt of King’s hit novel, Pet Sematary, the film takes audiences back in time as a young Jud Crandall prepares to be the first in his family to leave the town of Ludlow in 1969. When a series of unfortunate events delays his departure, Jud is faced with the town’s deadly secret that threatens to destroy all he holds dear. The directorial debut of Lindsey Anderson Beer, who also adapted the screenplay with Jeff Buhler (Pet Sematary 2019, Midnight Meat Train), King fans will be pleasantly surprised with what this film has to offer.

While most adaptations of King’s work are from his novels or short stories, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines takes a small piece of backstory from a single chapter in his Pet Sematary novel and expands it into a feature-length film. It’s a clever concept because many horror fans are eager to learn more about this time period and these characters from the King universe. It also allowed the filmmakers a healthy amount of creative freedom to incorporate original ideas. Audiences get to learn more about characters they already know and love and at the same time meet a host of new, interesting characters. If anything, I would say the new characters were the best part of the film, and I wish the film had focused a bit more on them.

On top of developing old and new characters, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines also adds to the lore established in King’s novel and the previous film adaptations. It’s the best kind of prequel, one that builds on the mythos audiences are familiar with, and even takes it in an exciting new direction. Many will already be familiar with the Indigenous legends to the land. In King’s book and earlier adaptations of the story, these Indigenous elements were used in a stereotypical and even culturally insensitive way. It’s almost implied the Mi’kmaq tribe who originally inhabited this land had somehow cursed it. Pet Sematary: Bloodlines still incorporates those legends, but it alters the mythos in a way that improves upon the plot and celebrates the past and present Indigenous community of Ludlow. It all leads to a satisfying ending that tells a complete, compelling story while seamlessly leading a path to the events of Pet Sematary. It makes me wish the filmmakers had even more freedom to create an entirely original story, without the necessity of connecting to the less critically successful 2019 adaptation of Pet Sematary. Yet even with those limitations, the finished product is an enjoyable ride.

Pet Sematary: Bloodlines has a cast including many film icons, as well as newer faces. Film buffs will immediately recognize David Duchovny (The X-Files, The Craft: Legacy), Henry Thomas (The Haunting of Hill House, Doctor Sleep), and even the legendary Pam Grier (Jackie Brown, Ghosts of Mars), each giving memorable performances. Jackson White (Ambulance, Mrs. Fletcher) plays young Jud. This version of Jud takes the character from an old harbinger to a hunky hero. While there isn’t a lot of depth to White’s performance, he still delivers a character that is charming and has major himbo energy. Two new characters introduced are Manny, played by Forrest Goodluck (Cherry, The Revenant), and his sister Donna, played by Isabella LaBlanc (Long Slow Exhale) in her feature-film debut. Not only are Manny and Donna the most interesting characters in the film, but Goodluck and LaBlanc also give great performances making them feel like true siblings. Goodluck is an immediate standout, giving Manny a tough exterior that is fractured by his hilarious sense of humor and his love for his sister and friends. Last but certainly not least, we need to talk about Jack Mulhern (The Society, Mare of Easttown) as Timmy. Fans of Pet Sematary will likely remember Timmy’s ill-fated story. Mulhern is positively unsettling, exuding evil every time Timmy is on screen, with a frightening physicality added to the performance.

Whether subtle suspense or shocking jump-scares, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines definitely delivers the terror. The production and set design creates the initial ominous feeling with a look that is reminiscent of classic old Universal Monster movies. From there, practical effects bring the dead back to life and showcase horrific wounds. Some of these are more subtle, like the slight makeup on Timmy giving him an undead pallor. Some are much more grand and grotesque as people are stabbed, cut, and even eaten. Pet Sematary: Bloodlines also incorporates various spirals that hint to the sinister power looming over Ludlow and includes updated, even more grim looking versions of the animal masks shown in the 2019 film. The only visual aspect that doesn’t work as well is the editing. Some of the edits are abrupt and awkward, mostly in an attempt to deliver jump scares, but it makes part of the film appear clunky and rushed.

Pet Sematary: Bloodlines expands on a familiar mythos, giving it a much-needed cultural update, paving the way for interesting new characters, generations of supernatural horrors, and plenty of gore. Beer had a difficult task bringing a piece of a well-loved story to life, especially as a directorial debut, and she proves she is up to the task. It might not be a perfect film, but it a thrilling ride that delivers plenty of scares and some surprising laughs. The highlight of Pet Sematary: Bloodlines is the star-studded cast who all seem to have had a blast making this film. Even with the rough editing, the amount of care that went into the visuals is apparent in the sets, practical effects, and subtle imagery. You can watch Pet Sematary: Bloodlines streaming on Paramount+ on October 6th.

OVERALL RATING: 7.5/10