The Dark Half

R

1993

2 hr. 2 min.

Horror

List

62%

37 Reviews

Tomatometer

41%

5,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Thad Beaumont (Timothy Hutton) has had success writing novels under both his real name and his pseudonym, George Stark, which he uses to publish base thrillers. When word gets out that they are one and the same, the author holds a mock funeral for Stark. But after a rash of murders eerily similar to those in the Stark books, Thad and his wife, Liz (Amy Madigan), realize that Stark is real and responsible, and must work with local Sheriff Pangborn (Michael Rooker) to stop him.

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Critics Consensus

The Dark Half is a highly serious psychological study that can be faulted for being more curious than actually scary.

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Sparky K

One of the better Stephen King adaptations. A little dated perhaps but a fairly faithful telling of the story, apart from being condensed (as King films always are) with a few minor details changed. Definitely a film worth seeing.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/20/24

Full Review

StephenPaul C

The greatest 02 hours: and 02 minutes ever!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/04/23

Full Review

Brian W

This Stephen King adaptation was good in the sense that the portrayal of the characters were in good taste of what was needed from them. The logic behind the background of the story might be off the beaten path but as a twin we all have these thoughts.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/04/23

Full Review

Will G

Just about my favourite Stephen king adaptation. Massively underrated and very faithful to the book. One of Romero's best works , the special effects are excellent still and the facial makeup in the last scenes just has to be seen. It's tightly scripted, doesn't sag at all with no unnecessary padding. One of my favourite supernatural horror movies. 5 stars out of 5.👍

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/05/23

Full Review

russell h

Pretty faithful to the book but it just isn't scary and hasn't aged well

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

robert p

Another stinkeroo of a movie!

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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George A. Romero

Director

Timothy Hutton

Thad Beaumont

Amy Madigan

Liz Beaumont

Michael Rooker

Sheriff Alan Pangborn

Julie Harris

Reggie DeLesseps

Robert Joy

Fred Clawson

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The Dark Half: Official Clip - Sparrow Annihilation

2:57

The Dark Half: Official Clip - Revealing Nightmares

2:16

The Dark Half: Official Clip - A Tale of Two Authors

2:16

The Dark Half: Official Clip - One in the Same

2:24

The Dark Half: Official Clip - Suspected for Murder

2:29

The Dark Half: Official Clip - A Cut & Go Business

1:50

The Dark Half: Official Clip - Startling Discovery

0:56

The Dark Half: Official Clip - Showdown

1:27

The Dark Half: Official Clip - George Stark Strikes

1:30

The Dark Half: Official Clip - Mikey, Mikey, Mikey

2:17

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Susie Eisenhuth

Sydney Morning Herald

Strong performances add the required heft to keep you onside when the plot gets dodgy. Hutton's nice-guy image is perfect for the dual role.

Feb 28, 2024

Full Review

Dave Kehr

Chicago Tribune

As if to make up for the slack pacing, the violence seems unnecessarily garish and sadistic.

Rated: 2/4

Oct 4, 2019

Full Review

Jack Yeovil

Empire Magazine

This is too well-made and acted to be a total failure, and even the formulaic slasher scenes are handled with creepy aplomb.

Rated: 2/5

Oct 8, 2018

Full Review

Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

…fuses elements of Frankenstein and Dr Jekyll lore and comes up with something dark and disturbing…

Rated: 3/5

Feb 27, 2024

Full Review

Grant Watson

Fiction Machine

There is much to enjoy here, but thanks to a simplistic script and needless repetition there is only so much enjoyment to be had.

Rated: 6/10

Feb 20, 2024

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Among the most faithful of all King adaptations, The Dark Half remains an underrated work in the cinema of both King and Romero.

Rated: 3.5/4

Feb 23, 2022

Full Review

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Synopsis

Thad Beaumont (Timothy Hutton) has had success writing novels under both his real name and his pseudonym, George Stark, which he uses to publish base thrillers. When word gets out that they are one and the same, the author holds a mock funeral for Stark. But after a rash of murders eerily similar to those in the Stark books, Thad and his wife, Liz (Amy Madigan), realize that Stark is real and responsible, and must work with local Sheriff Pangborn (Michael Rooker) to stop him.

Director: George A. Romero
Executive Producer: George A. Romero
Screenwriter: George A. Romero, Stephen King
Production Co: Orion Pictures
Rating: R
Genre: Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 16, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $9.0M
Sound Mix: Surround

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