Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Misery’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

​Despite the fact that the titles of 'nerd' and 'geek' are often reserved for folks who passionately display their love of a particular fandom or genre...in reality, we are all nerds and geeks. There is something that every single one of us is super passionate about and geek out about when we get a chance to celebrate or discuss that subject.

But, sadly, some folks take their love of a particular thing way too far. It might be they see themselves as above others when it comes to knowledge of a particular fandom, and they seem to enjoy putting others down when they don't know enough about it. Or as is the case with some sports fans, they're just plain obnoxious about their team, and prattle on about them regardless of whether they win or lose. Or, in rare cases... their particular love of an actor or author is downright unhealthy and potentially dangerous as was explored in the brilliant horror film, Misery.

Paul Sheldon has enjoyed an incredible career as a writer. His 'Misery' series are always a best seller, but Paul has finally killed off that character since he is looking to change up his career and having finished something brand new and totally unlike his other work, he is ready to leave his writing retreat and submit this fine new work to his publisher. But a terrible snowstorm sends his sports car off the road and into a ditch, but Paul is in luck. A woman named Annie Wilkes saw the crash and has pulled him from the wreckage and as it turns out, she is a former nurse and able to help in healing his ugly injuries. In fact, he really couldn't be in a better situation, because Annie is also his biggest fan.

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​But it doesn't take long for Paul to realize his luck has run out. Because Annie is not quite what she seems. Sure, she is his biggest fan, but she's also stark raving mad and since she's out in the middle of nowhere, she's kept it from the world that Paul is alive, because she needs him there to do one important thing.... resurrect Misery from the dead and she'll stop at nothing to get another story from her favorite author.

Based off of Stephen King's novel of the same name, the film version of the story is a decidedly different kind of horror film, because of its simplicity. There are no grandiose sets to be found here, or fancy special effects work...this is low down, gritty horror set in a remote cabin and it's absolutely terrifying to watch. Perhaps the greatest triumph when it comes to atmosphere in this film is the fact that it feels incredibly claustrophobic, almost as if the walls are closing in on the audience as much as they are on Paul Sheldon. Plus, the film also deserves some serious kudos over the fact that it uses minimal and practical special effects as well, relying on quick cuts and sometimes implication to balance the gore and make our stomachs churn for the film's few, but effective graphic sequences. 

But the real joy in sitting down to watch this film, is Kathy Bates' performance as the psychotic Annie Wilkes. She is magnificent in the role, able to go from an absolute endearing sweetheart to blood thirsty monster in less than a second and when she does turn...she is absolutely and utterly terrifying. She is the true monster of the story, and I've always been partial to tales like this that show us the darkest parts of our souls and what enhances her evil further... is the fact that we never quite understand what drives her to do what she does, and that sense of the unknown makes her a force of nature and one hell of a villain. Either way, this is a true horror classic that needs to be seen if you haven't yet because it is truly a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience. 

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