Revisit Stephen King's Misery Before It Leaves Netflix

Misery is a 1990 psychological thriller adapted from Stephen King’s 1987 novel, with a screenplay by William Goldman and direction from Rob Reiner. The film—often praised as a near‑perfect horror/thriller hybrid—stars Kathy Bates and James Caan and centers on a terrifying encounter between an author and his most devoted reader.

Paul Sheldon has just finished a book that kills off his famous character, Misery Chastain, then drives into the mountains for a retreat and is badly injured in a crash. He is rescued by nurse Annie Wilkes, who at first appears caring but, upon reading the manuscript and learning that Misery dies, reveals she will do anything to force him to bring the character back.

King has said Wilkes is a metaphor for "dope," and recalled a real moment when a fan shifted from praise to abuse: "There was a guy begging for an autograph, but we were running super‑late. 'I'm your biggest fan!' he said.

misery, stephen king, kathy bates, james caan, rob reiner, william goldman, annie wilkes, paul sheldon, psychological thriller, netflix