Pet Sematary (2019) Movie Review

Hello guys and welcome back to a new round of movie reviews with Movie Nerd, the place where you can be nerdy about movies and that's OK!

As much as I liked the original adaptation of Stephen King's novel from the 80's, when they announced that they are making a remake I was very thrilled because the first one was not as terrifying as I wanted to be. In the case of this one, I think I got more that I have bargained for.

So, for those who are not familiar with the story, here is a synopsis for you: Dr. Louis Creed and his wife, Rachel, relocate from Boston to rural Maine with their two young children. The couple soon discover a mysterious burial ground hidden deep in the woods near their new home. When tragedy strikes, Louis turns to his neighbor Jud Crandall, setting off a perilous chain reaction that unleashes an unspeakable evil with horrific consequences.

Horrifying, isn't it? As is the movie. This version is more dark, more violent and bloody with lots and lots of scary images, terrifying and eerie atmosphere plus a twist that, unfortunately, if it wasn't for the trailer, I would not have picked up on that. Although the surprise was a bit spoiled, it was still effective. Fans of the original and the book may not appreciate the changes in the story but, for me, it kinda works better this way, with this changes. It's more Stephen King style. It adds a level of creepiness and it fits well with the atmosphere in a very disturbing way, with a very disturbing ending, which, again, some may not appreciate the change.

Of course, the main subject of the original movie and the book is the notion of life and death but, in this one, that part is diminished in favor of jump scares and creepy imagery. I don't have a problem with that but I would have liked to keep a more focus on that part as well.

The whole cast is great but the stand out is the actress who plays Ellie, who, in some scenes, kinda steels the show.

Overall, with all the changes made, which, in my opinion, they took a gamble with that and, for the most part, it was a good gamble, I believe that this remake surpasses the original, without being 100% true to the book but instead it is more in tone with the book. Sometimes remade is better! 8/10

OK guys, that is my review for this one. Coming soon, the Shazam! review, alongside more others. Until then, take care, stay movie nerdy and keep on reviewing!