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Misery

Play trailer Poster for Misery R 1990 1h 47m Horror Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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91% Tomatometer 80 Reviews 90% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
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.
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Misery

Misery

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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.

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Critics Reviews

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Steve Murray Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sep 23
Mr. Riner builds the claustrophobic tension -- and dark humor -- to wonderful heights. Go to Full Review Joe Clay The Times (UK) 07/26/2022
The genius of Bates’s performance is the delicate balance that can tip without warning from sweetly cheerful to psychotic rage. Go to Full Review Derek Malcolm Guardian 05/09/2017
The film hasn't any depth to speak of, but is consistently shrewd enough not to go totally obvious ways. And the audacity in casting Kathy Bates as the dotty fan pays considerable dividends. Go to Full Review David Elliott Copley News Service 1d
Bates is a classic movie gargoyle. Go to Full Review Alan Jones Radio Times Dec 17
4/5
While not a true-blue horror movie, Reiner's adept exercise in chilling claustrophobia nevertheless contains numerous jolts. Go to Full Review Trace Thurman Horror Queers Podcast Dec 1
5/5
Rob Reiner masterfully adapts one of Stephen King's best works in 'Misery', aided by a superb (and Oscar-winning) performance from Kathy Bates. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Duane M @Duanedabath 14h Easily one of the best King adaptations, in no small part because of the two committed lead performances. See more L F @NewViewReviews 1d The year is 2026 and it’s my first time watching Misery, shame on me! I know lol. Needless to say it’s safe to say that 36 years later this movie is still fantastic. It’s funny because this movie is actually 7 years older than me but I enjoyed it as if it was brand spanking new. Cathy Bates performance was second to none, great movie with a stellar cast. R.I.P Rob and thank you (& Stephen King) for this classic film. See more Daniel L 5d Great movie! Was not expecting to like this as much as I did. Brilliant acting by Cathy Bates and James Caan. And brilliant writing. It's oddly captivating. It's very slow paced with not a lot happening but you just find yourself drawn in and unable to look away. See more Ryan A @Ryrymoviewatchguy Dec 28 Its the absolute opposite of misery to watch. I think I'm a number one fan! See more Anders C Dec 22 Cathy Bates,Cathy Bates , Cathy Bates See more Shawan L Dec 17 This movie is flat-out brilliant. Easily one of the best psychological horror flicks I’ve ever seen right up there with Psycho and The Shining. Kathy Bates? Absolutely phenomenal. If you love thrillers, you have to watch this. See more Read all reviews
Misery

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Cast & Crew

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Rob Reiner

Director

James Caan

Paul Sheldon

Kathy Bates

Annie Wilkes

Frances Sternhagen

Virginia McCain

Richard Farnsworth

J.T. McCain

Lauren Bacall

Marcia Sindell

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Misery

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Movie Info

Synopsis 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.
Director
Rob Reiner
Producer
Rob Reiner, Andrew Scheinman
Screenwriter
William Goldman
Distributor
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Distributing Corp., Image Entertainment Inc., Columbia Pictures, MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc.
Production Co
Nelson Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment
Rating
R
Genre
Horror, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 30, 1990, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 25, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$54.7M
Runtime
1h 47m
Sound Mix
Dolby, Surround
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