After years of anticipation, Gary Dauberman’s Salem’s Lot (2024) finally brings Stephen King’s chilling vampire saga back to the big screen. With a legacy that includes the iconic 1979 miniseries and a 2004 TV adaptation, expectations were high for this new cinematic take. Does this version breathe new (undead) life into the story, or does it merely shuffle through familiar graveyard territory? Here’s an in-depth look at what works, what falters, and whether this Lot is worth a visit.
Story and Faithfulness to the Source
Dauberman’s adaptation hews closely to King’s original 1975 novel, retaining its 1970s setting and central plot: writer Ben Mears returns to his childhood hometown of Jerusalem’s Lot, only to discover a creeping evil as a vampire, Kurt Barlow, and his human servant Straker begin to infect the town. The film covers the major beats: Ben’s romance with Susan Norton, the mysterious happenings at the Marsten House, and the gradual, horrifying takeover of the town by vampires.
For fans of the book, the film’s fidelity to the original narrative is a double-edged sword. While it captures the atmosphere and many key scenes, it sometimes feels like it’s racing through the plot, sacrificing character depth and emotional resonance for the sake of hitting all the major story points. As one reviewer put it, “It’s so busy trying to hit all the main beats in the first half of the film that I think I have whiplash now. In fact, if I weren’t familiar with the story I’d have been completely lost”.
Atmosphere and Visuals
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its visual style. Dauberman, known for his work on The Conjuring universe, brings a moody, atmospheric touch to the proceedings. The cinematography is often striking, with shadowy corners and fog-drenched streets that evoke classic vampire cinema. The vampire aesthetic, in particular, has been praised as “pretty good,” with the creatures exuding a menacing, old-school vibe.
The film also offers adrenaline-fueled action and suspense, especially in its second half, which keeps the tension high and delivers on the promise of neck-biting thrills. However, this focus on immediate scares may come at the expense of lasting impact, as the film sometimes prioritizes action over building a truly haunting mood.
Performances and Characters
The cast delivers solid performances across the board. Lewis Pullman’s Ben Mears is earnest and sympathetic, and the supporting cast-especially the actor playing Matt Burke-stands out for bringing warmth and humanity to their roles. However, many critics and fans have noted that the film’s brisk pacing leaves little room for character development. Relationships and motivations, such as Ben’s obsession with the Marsten House, are underexplored, making it harder for viewers to become fully invested in the fates of the townspeople.
Pacing and Structure
A recurring criticism is the film’s rushed narrative. The first half, in particular, feels overloaded as it introduces a large cast of characters and sets up the central mystery. Some viewers felt that Salem’s Lot would have been better served as a miniseries, allowing the story and characters to breathe and the slow-burn terror of the novel to take hold. The film’s structure also deviates from the book in some key moments, such as relocating the climactic showdown from the Marsten House to a drive-in theater-a change that has divided fans.
Reception and Legacy
Critically, Salem’s Lot (2024) has received mixed reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 46% approval rating, with critics praising its “old-fashioned spookfest” vibe but noting that it falls short of being the definitive adaptation. The film is described as “imperfect, incomplete, but more than consistent with the original work and the tradition of vampire cinema it inspired”. While some reviewers found it to be a stylish and fierce vampire tale, others lamented its lack of emotional depth and memorable scares.
Final Thoughts
Salem’s Lot (2024) is a competent, visually striking adaptation that delivers plenty of classic vampire thrills. It’s a solid introduction for new audiences and a nostalgic revisit for longtime fans, but it never quite achieves the depth or dread of Stephen King’s novel. The film’s rushed pacing and underdeveloped characters prevent it from reaching the heights of the best King adaptations, but its stylish direction and commitment to the source material make it worth a watch-especially for those craving a spooky, action-packed horror fix.
Verdict:
A respectable but ultimately middling adaptation, Salem’s Lot (2024) is entertaining enough for a night of scares, but true King aficionados may find themselves longing for a version with more heart-and more bite.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Pros
- Faithful to the spirit and plot of King’s novel
- Striking visuals and atmospheric direction
- Strong performances, especially from the supporting cast
- Delivers on suspense and classic vampire action
Cons
- Rushed pacing and crowded narrative
- Shallow character development
- Lacks the emotional and psychological depth of the source material
- Some divisive changes to key story moments
“Salem’s Lot as a whole is better for having no pretensions, no hidden meanings, and no purpose other than to present a spooky horror story about mad-eyed vampires on the rampage.”