Books and short stories have served as fodder for motion picture adaptations since the advent of cinema. Literary classics like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein or Bram Stoker’s Dracula became the basis for foundational Universal horror films. Some of the genre’s most widely regarded, like Jaws and Psycho, also drew from literature. Then there’s prolific author Stephen King; so much of his work has been translated to the screen, and that continues to this day.
But this week’s streaming picks delve into more unexpected or lesser-discussed novel adaptations. And as always, here’s where you can stream these five picks this week.
The Lair of the White Worm – Roku, Tubi, Plex, Vudu
Dracula wasn’t the only vampiric horror novel that Bram Stoker penned; this one is based on the legend of the Lambton Worm. Ken Russell’s loose adaptation makes it easy to see why it didn’t achieve the same level of popularity. It’s weird. That’s not a bad thing. When an archaeologist uncovers a strange skull of what appears to be a massive snake, the locals start to disappear. He suspects it might be related to an ancient worm-god and that the enigmatic Lady Sylvia Marsh might be connected. It’s hilarious, quirky, and full of camp with a mesmerizing performance by Amanda Donohoe as Marsh. Peter Capaldi and Hugh Grant also star.
Odd Thomas – Hulu, Prime Video, Pluto TV, Tubi
While not as high-volume as Stephen King or Clive Barker in terms of adaptations, famous horror author Dean Koontz still received a solid number of adaptations of his work. The latest is based on the first novel of a bestselling series. The always affable Anton Yelchin played the eponymous character, a short order cook in a small desert town with the ability to see the dead. More than that, Odd receives premonitions and can detect bodachs, creatures that feed on death and destruction. The arrival of a stranger leads Odd to team up with his sweetheart (Addison Timlin) and the town sheriff (Willem Dafoe) to prevent an unknown catastrophe. Odd Thomas blends a lighthearted supernatural action-thriller with an almost rom-com style drama that makes for easy consumption thanks to its endearing cast.
One Missed Call – AMC+, Arrow, Shudder, Tubi
This Takashi Miike helmed supernatural chiller is based on the novel Chakushin Ari by Japanese record producer Yasushi Akimoto. Somewhat similar to The Ring and other J-horror of this era, the plot setup sees people marked for death after receiving a mysterious phone call from themselves. Miike infuses a familiar concept with his trademark dark humor and delivers several creepy set pieces and numerous scares. One Missed Call may not be the most original, but it still induces fear. It spawned a few sequels and an American remake.
Perdita Durango – Kanopy, Shudder, Tubi, Vudu
Also known as Dance with the Devil, Perdita Durango blends crime thriller with occultist horror and is based on Barry Gifford’s 1992 novel 59° and Raining: The Story of Perdita Durango, the third book in the Sailor and Lula series. Meaning it’s loosely connected to David Lynch’s Wild at Heart, whose version of Perdita was played by Isabella Rossellini. For Alex de la Iglesia’s adaptation, Rosie Perez portrayed the eponymous character, and Javier Bardem as her lover, Romeo. Romeo, who’s a Santeria priest and drug dealer, gets involved with a gangster’s scheme to transport fetuses across the border to the U.S., prompting Perdita and Romeo to embark on a crime spree as they kidnap a young couple, rape them, and plot to sacrifice them. In other words, they belong in the same conversation as Natural Born Killers Mickey and Mallory. It’s violent, uncomfortable, and disturbing.
The Woman (Bloody Disgusting Selects) – AMC+, Shudder
A lawyer (Sean Bridgers) discovers and captures the last member (Pollyanna McIntosh) of a violent clan and ruthlessly attempts to domesticate her. It wreaks havoc on his family and threatens their lives. A much-improved sequel to Offspring, this confrontational sequel saw author Jack Ketchum team up with director Lucky McKee to co-write the script. Ketchum’s brand of visceral, splatterpunk style horror isn’t for the weak-stomached; the provocative violence of The Woman tends to polarize. It’s a disturbing study on family dysfunction pushed to extremes, with emphasis on the extreme. McIntosh’s feral performance as the titular character captivates.
source https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3661908/stay-home-watch-horror-5-unexpected-horror-novel-adaptations-stream-week/
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