Pet Sematary (HBO)

About Pet Sematary (HBO)

Originally released in 1989, Pet Sematary is a horror film based on Stephen King's 1983 novel of the same name. The plot follows Dr. Louis Creed who moves his family to Maine, where he finds a mysterious burial ground hidden deep in the woods near his new home. When tragedy strikes, Louis turns to his unusual neighbor, Jud Crandall, who informs him about the unlikely power of the graveyard that seems to bring the dead back to life. However, the results become deadly and horrific.

Making/Production

Directed by Mary Lambert and written by Stephen King, Pet Sematary was renowned for its ability to retain most of the novel's original content. Production took place mainly in Maine, staying true to the book's setting. It was produced by Paramount Pictures and released on April 21, 1989.

Actors

• Dale Midkiff as Dr. Louis Creed - Leading a perfect portrayal of a loving family man turned desperate after tragedy.
• Denise Crosby as Rachel Creed - Played the role of concerned wife and mother with depth and emotional resonance.
• Fred Gwynne as Jud Crandall- Brilliantly played the mysterious and knowledgeable neighbor who unveils the secrets of the Pet Sematary.
• Miko Hughes as Gage Creed - Hughes' performance as the three-year-old son whose death sparks the horrific events was especially memorable.

Trivia/Interesting Facts

• The director used real medical footage for Rachel's flashback about her sister.
• Stephen King requested the film be made in Maine, his home state, and favorite setting for his books.
• The movie marked the screen debut of child actor Miko Hughes (Gage).

Quotes

• "Sometimes, dead is better." - Jud Crandall
• "The soil of a man's heart is rockier." - Jud Crandall

Music/Soundtrack

• The film's score was composed by Elliot Goldenthal, creating an atmosphere of dread and melancholy.
• The Ramones wrote and performed the film's theme song, "Pet Sematary", which later became one of the band's biggest radio hits.