Opened: September 29, 2017

Directed by: Mike Flanagan

Starring: Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood, Carel Struycken, Henry Thomas, Chiara Aurelia & Kate Siegel

With a storyline that allows its main female character to reclaim her story that has long been overshadowed by the men in her life, Gerald’s Game is an important feminist story that one wouldn’t think would come from Stephen King.

Jessie (Carla Gugino) and Gerald (Bruce Greenwood) go to an isolated lake house in the hopes of spicing up their sex life. When things don’t go to Gerald’s plan, he has a heart attack and dies leaving Jessie handcuffed to their bed unable to escape.

Gugino gives a layered performance that dives into Jessie’s trauma from a childhood event while also exploring her survival skills as an adult.

Director Mike Flanagan frames the film well and doesn’t allow for slow pacing. You’re engrossed in the story from start to finish.

Final say: You won’t use handcuffs again. ★★★★☆