Stephen King's 1989 film adaptation of his novel "Pet Sematary" is now available to stream for free on Pluto TV. The movie, which King adapted himself for the screenplay, offers a notable mix of genuinely frightening moments and campy, melodramatic scenes.
The story follows the Creed family as they relocate to Maine. A series of tragedies, beginning with the death of their cat, leads the father, Louis Creed, to explore a local burial ground with supposed resurrection properties. This decision escalates when his young son, Gage, is also killed, prompting Louis to use the burial ground with dire consequences, turning Gage into a malevolent entity.
Directed by Mary Lambert, the film features several effective scares, particularly those involving the resurrected cat and the eerie performance of Miko Hughes as the young Gage Creed. The production design is considered solid for its budget, and the pacing keeps the narrative engaging. However, the film is also marked by its share of melodrama, with some performances, especially from the actors portraying the parents and the older sister, being described as over-the-top. The inclusion of the Ramones' song "Pet Sematary" over the closing credits further contributes to the film's sometimes jarring tonal shifts.
Fred Gwynne's performance as the Creeds' neighbor, Jud Crandall, is frequently highlighted as a standout element. Gwynne, known for his role as Herman Munster, delivers a performance that is both creepy and darkly humorous, perfectly capturing the character from King's novel and even inspiring a similar character in "South Park."
"Pet Sematary" is recommended for viewers who appreciate classic horror films that balance scares with a degree of corniness, or for those curious about the origins of "South Park's" Farmer Fred character. Its availability on a free streaming service like Pluto TV makes it an accessible option for fans of Stephen King's work or 1980s horror cinema.