Misery (1990) Review in 2025
A writer is held captive by his 'number one fan' who demands he write a novel featuring her favorite character.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for family viewing due to graphic violence, gore, and mature themes.
CineReview Recommendation
A must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and suspenseful films. Not recommended for family viewing due to graphic violence and mature themes.
Spoiler Alert!
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A writer, Paul Sheldon, is held captive by his 'number one fan', Annie Wilkes, who demands he write a novel featuring her favorite character, Misery Chastain. As Annie's obsession escalates, Paul must find a way to escape before it's too late.
Review Details
story9.50/10
The story is engaging, well-paced, and expertly crafted to keep the viewer on the edge of their seat. The plot twists and turns, keeping the viewer guessing until the very end.
acting9.50/10
The acting is superb, with Kathy Bates delivering a career-defining performance as Annie Wilkes. James Caan is also excellent, bringing a sense of vulnerability and desperation to the role.
characters9.00/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Kathy Bates delivering a chilling performance as Annie Wilkes. James Caan is also excellent as Paul Sheldon, bringing a sense of vulnerability and desperation to the role.
direction9.00/10
Rob Reiner's direction is masterful, creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere that draws the viewer in. The camera work is also noteworthy, using close-ups and point-of-view shots to put the viewer in Paul's shoes.
cinematography8.50/10
The cinematography is excellent, using lighting and composition to create a sense of unease and tension. The colors are muted, reflecting the dark and foreboding atmosphere of the film.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Expertly crafted story, well-developed characters, masterful direction, and superb acting make this film a standout in the thriller genre.
Cons
Some viewers may find the graphic violence and gore off-putting.
Notable Quotes
"'Heeere's Johnny!', 'I'm your number one fan, Paul.', 'You're my favorite writer, Paul. I love your books.'"
