Salem's Lot feels like a nostalgic return to classic vampire horror, following Ben Mears as he revisits the eerie town of Jerusalem's Lot. What starts as a simple homecoming quickly spirals into a full-scale vampire invasion that consumes the entire town. The film has all the right ingredients for a solid horror experience, including creepy old houses, suspicious townsfolk, and a dark, unsettling history. The cast delivers strong performances, with Lewis Pullman as Ben and Makenzie Leigh as Susan standing out as a believable pair trying to survive the nightmare unfolding around them.
The story sticks closely to Stephen King's original novel, which works both for and against it. On the positive side, it preserves much of the book’s slow-burn tension and attention to detail. However, this loyalty also leads to pacing problems. The buildup takes too long, and the movie introduces too many characters without giving the audience enough time to connect with them. The vampires themselves never feel as terrifying as they should, and the film often pulls back right when the horror should hit its peak. For a horror film released in 2024, it feels surprisingly restrained. Audiences who expect something more intense and graphic may find themselves disappointed.
Visually, the film delivers some striking moments. The cinematography helps create an eerie atmosphere, and the gloomy, shadow-filled sets add to the tension. Despite the slow pacing, the climax manages to deliver a chaotic vampire showdown that finally gives the story some energy. Watching the town succumb to these bloodthirsty creatures is entertaining, and Mark Petrie’s scenes as he fights back are among the highlights. Still, the movie’s hesitation to fully embrace the horror leaves it feeling more like a high-budget TV special than a big-screen blockbuster. For all its effort, it never quite sinks its teeth in.
Salem's Lot is an entertaining watch for fans of Stephen King, especially those who appreciate the faithfulness to the source material. However, it struggles to deliver the kind of scares modern horror audiences expect. While it has its moments, the slow pacing and lack of intensity prevent it from becoming something truly memorable. It’s fine for a night in, but not worth rushing out to see. I’d rate it a 6 out of 10.
Out now on Digital
Prime Video - https://amzn.to/4h7XfI1
