
Misery
1990, Mystery & thriller/Horror, 1h 47m
73 Reviews 100,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Elevated by standout performances from James Caan and Kathy Bates, this taut and frightening film is one of the best Stephen King adaptations to date. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
Misery Photos
Movie Info
After a serious car crash, novelist Paul Sheldon (James Caan) is rescued by former nurse Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), who claims to be his biggest fan. Annie brings him to her remote cabin to recover, where her obsession takes a dark turn when she discovers Sheldon is killing off her favorite character from his novels. As Sheldon devises plans for escape, Annie grows increasingly controlling, even violent, as she forces the author to shape his writing to suit her twisted fantasies.
Cast & Crew
James Caan
Paul Sheldon
Paul Sheldon
Kathy Bates
Annie Wilkes
Annie Wilkes
Frances Sternhagen
Virginia McCain
Virginia McCain
Richard Farnsworth
J.T. McCain
J.T. McCain
Lauren Bacall
Marcia Sindell
Marcia Sindell
Graham Jarvis
Libby
Libby
Critic Reviews for Misery
Audience Reviews for Misery
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Dec 31, 2017From director Rob Reiner comes the intense suspense thriller Misery. Based on a Stephen King novel, the story follows famed novelist Paul Sheldon who's rescued from a car crash by an obsessed fan; but things take a dark turn when he discovers that he's being drugged and is locked in his room. James Caan and Kathy Bates both give strong performances; particularly Bates, who does a good job at subtly moving from eccentric fan and psychopath. And Reiner effectively builds tension and suspense quite well; especially in showing Sheldon's captivity and isolation. Still, there are some problems with the script, such as the underdeveloped subplot of the sheriff's investigation and the rushed conclusion. Yet despite its flaws, Misery is a frightening horror film.Dann M Super Reviewer
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Jun 03, 2016One of the better Stephen King horror adaptations. Kathy Bates as Annie Wilkes is one of the best (and arguably *the* best) on screen female villain in a horror movie, of all time. Perhaps not one you need to sit down and re-watch every few months or whathaveyou, but totally gripping, even after multiple (spaced out) viewings.Gimly M Super Reviewer
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Dec 24, 2013Kathy Bates is absolutely awesome in this one. It is likely one of the best, if not the best, Stephen King adaptations.Reiner proves that he can pull off a good horror flick and James Caan simply elicits pity as the man who is at the mercy of his fan.John B Super Reviewer
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Sep 27, 2013[img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img]Directors C Super Reviewer
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