Doctor Sleep is a psychological horror film directed by Mike Flanagan, serving as both a sequel to The Shining (1980) and an adaptation of Stephen King’s 2013 novel. The story follows an adult Danny Torrance (Ewan McGregor), who is still traumatized by his childhood experiences at the Overlook Hotel. Now an alcoholic struggling with his past, he eventually finds purpose working at a hospice, where he uses his psychic abilities, known as the “Shine,” to comfort dying patients, earning him the nickname “Doctor Sleep.”
Meanwhile, a dangerous cult called the True Knot, led by the ruthless and charismatic Rose the Hat (Rebecca Ferguson), hunts children who possess the Shine, feeding on their “steam” (psychic essence) to prolong their lives. Danny forms a telepathic connection with a young girl named Abra Stone (Kyliegh Curran), whose Shine is incredibly powerful. When the True Knot targets Abra for her abilities, she seeks Danny’s help, and he reluctantly becomes her protector.
As the battle between good and evil intensifies, Danny and Abra devise a plan to lure Rose and her cult to the ruins of the Overlook Hotel, where the haunted past of the Torrance family still lingers. In a climactic showdown, Danny confronts not only the True Knot but also the malevolent spirits that tormented him as a child. Ultimately, he sacrifices himself to save Abra, embracing his father’s tragic fate while ensuring that she continues to use her Shine for good.
Doctor Sleep masterfully balances horror, suspense, and deep emotional storytelling, paying homage to both Stephen King’s novel and Stanley Kubrick’s film. Ewan McGregor delivers a compelling performance as a man haunted by his past, while Rebecca Ferguson’s portrayal of Rose the Hat adds a chilling presence to the story. With its eerie atmosphere, psychological depth, and thrilling confrontations, Doctor Sleep stands as a worthy continuation of The Shining, blending supernatural terror with themes of trauma, redemption, and legacy.
video: