Pet Sematary: Bloodlines (2023) Review

Pet Sematary: Bloodlines (2023) is a prequel to Stephen King’s famous Pet Sematary adaptation, which delves into the dark origins of the cemetery’s curse. The story is set in the 1960s and follows Jud Crandall, a young boy growing up in the small town of Ludlow, where he begins to uncover terrifying secrets related to the cemetery and its ability to bring the dead back to life. As the town’s past is revealed, the horrors lurking within the place gain strength, putting Jud and his loved ones in danger.

The film, directed by Lindsey Anderson Beer, manages to create a haunting and gloomy atmosphere, which delves into the classic themes of Stephen King’s work: love, death, and the consequences of defying the natural cycle of life. The 1960s setting is one of the film’s best features, with a production design that captures the era effectively, while interweaving in supernatural elements. While the plot may seem familiar to fans of the franchise, the film offers a new perspective on the origin of the curse, expanding the Pet Sematary universe.

The acting is acceptable, with Jackson White in the role of Jud Crandall turning in a decent performance that gives depth to his character. However, the film suffers from certain predictable moments and a lack of development in some of the secondary characters, which weakens the excitement at crucial moments. Overall, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines is an entertaining but not particularly innovative addition to the saga, offering a traditional horror story, with touches of nostalgia and tension, but not reaching the intensity of the previous installments.