Salem’s Lot first reactions are finally in after the Stephen King Vampire movie’s 2-year delay, revealing just how worthwhile the new horror movie truly is. The upcoming Salem’s Lot remake began production in September 2021, with the film originally set to be released the following September in theaters. However, Warner Bros. ended up delaying the film multiple times before settling on a streaming release following the 2023 Hollywood strikes. The movie will be arriving on Max on October 3, 2024.
Now, first reactions to Salem’s Lot are in following its premiere at Beyond Fest, revealing what critics think of King’s new vampire movie. Overall, reviews have been decidedly mixed, with many critics enjoying the movie despite its cheesy, sometimes comedic approach. However, others found the presentation less desirable, calling the script “thin” but still giving positive takes on performances. Check out what some first reactions had to say below:
Alex Harrison of Screen Rant says that, while the movie doesn’t live up to the expectations its delay has caused, it’s still a well-made, creepy horror film.
Darren Mooney, member of the Online Film Critics Society, wasn’t sold on the film’s lack of thematic exploration, but was happy with the more “pulpy” presentation it stuck to throughout its run.
Hunter Bolding of That Hashtag Show believed the film was fantastic, wishing it had been released in theaters before Warner Bros. decided to change it to streaming.
Edgar Ortega of the Where Heartbreak Feels Good Podcast sees the film as more comedic than horrifying, critiquing the script as having little substance, but praising the stars for making it work regardless.
Alex Zalben of Comicbook Club Live found the film disappointing, critiquing its pacing and dialogue, yet still praising actors like Jordan Preston Carter and the shot composition.
CriticalOverlord thought the movie was a mixed bag, praising Lewis Pullman and the cast, but criticizing the story and the vampire Barlow’s design.
William Bibbiani of TheWrap indicated the film is a love letter to vampire movies, with plenty of fun moments and memorable characters to root for.
The Moonlight Warrior called the adaptation fun but flawed, believing it could become a classic someday even if it doesn’t live up to other movies in the genre.
In addition to the mixed reviews found online, critical reception has been equally split as reviews have come out for the movie. While Josh Korngut of Dread Central believed Salem’s Lot lacked the depth to be considered a good adaptation, EJ Moreno of Flickering Myth thought the movie made for a good horror throwback. Similarly, Courtney Howard of Fresh Fiction was unimpressed by its campiness, while Brian Orndorf of Blue-ray.com found it a good Halloween experience.
What Salem’s Lot First Impressions Say About The Stephen King Horror Movie
The Vampire Film Isn’t For Everyone
…the film still sounds like it can be carried for many horror fans looking for a campy experience this Halloween season.
The mixed reviews for Salem’s Lot indicate the vampire movie isn’t going to appeal to everyone, embracing a tone and presentation that feels more like a haunted house than a film with thematic depth. This being disappointing is understandable, given the desolate tone and isolating mood of King’s original novel. However, these changes have clearly benefited the movie in some regard, making it stand out for many horror critics despite the less stellar attributes.
What’s clearest, however, is that the characters are a standout for most critics, whose praise Ben Mears (Lewis Pullman), Susan Norton (Makenzie Leigh), Dr. Cody (Alfre Woodard), Matthew Burke (Bill Camp), Father Callahan (John Benjamin Hickey), and Mark Petire (Jordan Preston Carter) as memorable parts of the movie. While there was some criticism toward Barlow (Alexander Ward), cast of Salem’s Lot clearly impressed. Even though other elements weren’t as enticing for some, the film still sounds like it can be carried for many horror fans looking for a campy experience this Halloween season.
Our Take On Salem’s Lot First Impressions
The Movie Still Sounds Like A Fun Treat For The Season
Although there a pointed criticisms aimed at the movie’s tone and story, Salem’s Lot still sounds like a haunted house-style movie that could be entertaining throughout October. Even though it doesn’t have as much resonance or darkness as King’s novel, the new spin on the film sounds like something vampire fans would still enjoy. Although reviews for the movie aren’t as positive as expected, it still seems like a decent enough watch on Max when it arrives.
Salem’s Lot is written and directed by Gary Dauberman, best known for writing films in The Conjuring universe and the It duology.
Source: Various (see above)
