Salem's Lot (2024): A Shadow Release Disappointment
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| Salem’s Lot Review |
Introduction
How did I not know this movie came out already? Talk
about a shadow release! I have a personal attachment to Salem's Lot, so I had
to talk about it. Let's dive into the new adaptation of Stephen King's classic
vampire novel.
Plot Overview
The story follows author Ben Mears, who returns to his
hometown of Jerusalem’s Lot. Slowly, people in the town begin turning into
vampires. Ben and a group of survivors must figure out what's happening and how
to stop it — or at least survive.
Delays and Quiet Release
This movie was supposed to come out at least a year,
maybe two, ago. Why the delay, you ask? Probably because it’s... well, it's not
that good. As someone who’s been eagerly waiting, it was disappointing that the
movie just dropped quietly on HBO without much fanfare. I only found out about
it last night. Salem’s Lot has a legacy, thanks to previous adaptations,
including a 1979 miniseries and a 2000s version. But this film falls short.
A Miniseries or a Feature Film?
Though this is a feature film, it feels like it was
filmed to be a miniseries. There are clear, noticeable edits and transitions,
suggesting that parts were cut out. This gives it the vibe of a made-for-TV
movie. There are moments that could have worked in theaters, but overall, it
carries the straight-to-DVD feel. Streaming services may have changed the
meaning of straight-to-video, but this film still feels like a mid-2000s
straight-to-DVD release.
Classic Vampire Lore
One positive aspect is the adherence to old-school
vampire lore. The film stays true to the good versus evil theme, with crosses
glowing and forcing vampires out the door, just like in the book. However, key
themes and moments, like the memorable priest scene from the book, are missing,
leaving these aspects feeling shallow.
Slow Burn Without Purpose
Like the novel, the movie is a slow burn. However, the
slow build in the book served a purpose, with interesting characters and a
passive-aggressive assimilation of the town by the vampires. In this film, it’s
just slow — with rushed pacing and a lack of meaningful payoff.
Lackluster Character Arcs
Character arcs fall flat, and when someone dies (or bites
it, no pun intended), there’s no emotional impact. Mark Petri, the kid, is the
standout character with the biggest kill count, but even he can’t save the film
from its anticlimactic tone.
The Disappointing Villain: Barlo
Barlo, the head vampire, was a major letdown. Stephen
King envisioned Barlo as a blend of savage and intellectual, but in this movie,
he’s neither. The character feels more like a prop than a real threat. The 1979
version made Barlo a monster, which worked for that film’s atmosphere, but this
adaptation doesn't commit to that approach. Barlo is supposed to be a haunting
presence, yet you barely feel his impact in this version.
Atmosphere and Tone: Missing the Mark
Salem's Lot is supposed to have creepy tones and scary
vampires — elements essential to the story’s success. While the 1979 version
delivered that eerie atmosphere, this film tries but fails to capture that
fear. It lacks the haunting presence that makes Salem’s Lot so memorable.
Conclusion
In summary, the 2024 Salem’s Lot movie feels
anticlimactic and unfulfilling. It has the atmosphere of a Walmart bin DVD that
will be forgotten in a matter of days. Have you seen it? What did you think?
Or, what’s your favorite vampire movie? Whatever your thoughts, comment below
and let me know!
Summery
The 2024 Salem’s Lot adaptation quietly released on
HBO, much to the disappointment of fans anticipating a fresh take on Stephen
King’s classic vampire novel. Despite staying true to old-school vampire lore,
the film feels like a made-for-TV production, with noticeable edits and a
lackluster pace. Characters lack depth, and Barlo, the head vampire, is
underwhelming, failing to deliver the intellectual menace from the book. The
atmosphere and scares of the 1979 miniseries are missing, leaving the film
anticlimactic and forgettable. It ultimately feels like a rushed project that
won't leave a lasting impression.
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