The Mist (Frank Darabont, 2007, USA)

The Mist, Frank Darabont's last feature film, is considered one of the best Stephen King adaptations of the previous two decades. Darabont, who previously helmed three King adaptations (The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, and the "dollar baby" The Woman in the Room), is on par with Rob Reiner for elevating the Stephen King pedigree beyond the horror genre. Interestingly, Darabont decided to tackle The Mist, one of King's most horrific efforts. As with most Darabont adaptations, The Mist is mostly faithful to the King novella.

The film centers on a group of Maine residents trapped in a grocery store as a mysterious mist engulfs the store. Those who go outside into the mist are quickly killed by mysterious and otherworldly Lovecraftian creatures. Darabont is at his best when getting into the internal dynamics of survival inside the grocery store - the rivalries, the alliances, the decisions made. The film is less successful in its special effects work, and here we feel the pressure of the film's budget the most. Darabont originally intended for the film to be released in black and white, and this would have undoubtedly helped some of the less-than-convincing tentacles and various other creatures.

The Mist is perhaps most controversial for changing the ending (spoiler alert) into something much bleaker than King's ending. King approved of Darabont's change. While this ending is no doubt powerful, it is executed a bit clumsily and feels somehow rushed. Nevertheless, The Mist is Peak King. It's a shame that this might be the last feature film we get from Frank Darabont. Hopefully, he can bring another King adaptation to the screen. Accolades in this film should also go to Thomas Jane, who captures the everyman quality of King's work fantastically. It is no surprise that he has appeared in multiple King adaptations.

8/10