By Robert Yaniz Jr.

Here comes yet another unnecessary horror remake that lets down both new and existing fans.

THE HYPE

Horror remakes almost universally deliver diminishing returns, at least creatively. Yet, with IT such a box office phenomenon, Hollywood has officially launched a new wave of Stephen King adaptations. It’s no surprise then that Pet Sematary — which hasn’t been revisited since director Mary Lambert’s 1989 film — is among those stories getting the reboot treatment. In many cases, classic films can benefit from a new perspective and/or modern effects. Maybe a new version of Pet Sematary could glean some new insight on King’s story.

THE STORY

Not really. The 2019 Pet Sematary does subvert the details of its predecessor (and source material) in an effort to present something new. Yet, the story still plays out largely the same, albeit with less energy behind it all. The plot still follows the Creed family (not that Creed), who moves into a new house that comes complete with a spooky graveyard capable of raising the dead. So the clever ideas inherent to King’s 1983 book remain intact, but there’s very little narrative momentum driving it. Instead, the film feels perfunctory at best, presenting each plot point with a shrug.

THE CAST

Jason Clarke and Amy Seimitz are capable actors with good work in their rearview, but it feels like both of them are slumming it here. It’s difficult to tell how much fault lies with the cast and the script, but considering how lackluster this Pet Sematary is, there’s plenty of disappointment available for both to carry some of the burden. The best performance in the film comes from Jeté Laurence, who plays a more critical role than expected as the Creed daughter. And, of course, John Lithgow gives his all as the Creeds’ mysterious neighbor.

THE PRODUCTION

The visuals in the new Pet Sematary may be sharp and the themes of King’s novel certainly shine through, though not as much as they should. Yet, the real disappointment of this remake is that it never truly unnerves you the way it should. Rather light on genuine scares, this Pet Sematary serves up its reheated material as if it was still as fresh as it was 30 years ago. The terror is muted, and as a result, the viewer is left with a toothless exercise that is neither shock nor schlock.

THE VERDICT

“Sometimes dead is better” is easily the most memorable line in Pet Sematary, and yet, no one involved in this lifeless remake questioned whether they should dig up King’s classic story and reanimate it for a new generation. Through no fault of the actors or even the directors, this new version is listless when it should be riveting and dull when it should be terrifying. Although the new wave of King adaptations is likely just beginning, Pet Sematary is one story that should have been left alone, since this new edition seemingly has nothing new to say.

Pet Sematary stars Jason Clarke, Amy Seimitz, Jeté Laurence and John Lithgow and is directed by Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer.