Doctor Sleep (2019), directed by Mike Flanagan and based on Stephen King’s 2013 novel of the same name, serves as both a sequel to King’s iconic The Shining and a standalone exploration of trauma, redemption, and the supernatural. The film adeptly continues the story of Danny Torrance, now an adult, while also delving into new thematic territory and expanding upon the universe established in The Shining. With its nuanced performances, atmospheric direction, and intricate storytelling, Doctor Sleep offers a rich and compelling narrative that respects the legacy of its predecessor while forging its own path.

Set several decades after the events of The Shining, Doctor Sleep follows an adult Danny Torrance, played by Ewan McGregor, who is struggling to overcome the trauma and alcoholism that have plagued his life since his terrifying experiences at the Overlook Hotel. Danny’s life is marked by a sense of disconnection and unresolved pain, but he begins to find solace and purpose when he encounters a young girl named Abra Stone, portrayed by Kyliegh Curran, who possesses powerful psychic abilities akin to his own. The plot centers on their confrontation with a sinister cult known as the True Knot, led by Rose the Hat (Rebecca Ferguson), who feed on the psychic energy of children to extend their own lives.