Salem’s Lot (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“Salem’s Lot,” directed by Gary Dauberman, is the latest adaptation of Stephen King’s 1975 novel, which has already been immortalized in two previous mini-series. This 2024 film retells the story of author Ben Mears returning to his hometown, Jerusalem’s Lot, only to find it being preyed upon by a vampire. With a strong cast and a recognizable source material, “Salem’s Lot” had all the makings of a modern horror classic. However, the film falls short of expectations, primarily due to pacing issues and a lack of depth in its character development. In this review, we’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of the film and where you can stream it in the U.S.
Plot Summary
The plot revolves around Ben Mears (Lewis Pullman), a moderately successful author who returns to his childhood home of Jerusalem’s Lot, hoping to find inspiration for his next novel. Upon arrival, he realizes that his hometown is slowly succumbing to a sinister force in the form of a bloodthirsty vampire named Kurt Barlow (Alexander Ward) and his human familiar, Richard Straker (Pilou Asbæk).
As residents of the town begin to disappear or transform into vampires, Ben teams up with a group of locals, including his love interest Susan Norton (Makenzie Leigh), a librarian, and an alcoholic priest named Father Callahan (John Benjamin Hickey). Together, they attempt to unravel the mystery of the vampire plague and rid the town of its evil before it’s too late.
Pacing and Structure Problems
While the 2024 version of “Salem’s Lot” manages to capture the retro vibe of Stephen King’s original novel, it struggles with pacing. The film’s biggest flaw is its inability to effectively condense the sprawling story of a small-town vampire infestation into a two-hour runtime. As a result, some key scenes feel rushed or disjointed, with important plot points glossed over entirely. In contrast, previous mini-series adaptations had the luxury of time to delve into character backstories and slowly build tension.
In this iteration, transitions between scenes often feel abrupt, leaving the audience with a sense that parts of the film are missing. This disjointed storytelling makes it difficult for viewers to connect emotionally with the characters, weakening the impact of their eventual fates.
Acting Performances
Despite the film’s pacing issues, the performances by the cast are commendable. Lewis Pullman, son of Bill Pullman, delivers a solid performance as Ben Mears, the tormented protagonist. However, his character lacks sufficient development, and the chemistry with Susan (played by Makenzie Leigh) feels undercooked due to the rushed nature of their relationship.
Veteran actors Alfre Woodard, John Benjamin Hickey, and Bill Camp lend gravitas to their roles, with Hickey particularly standing out as Father Callahan. Unfortunately, even their performances can’t fully salvage the film from its structural problems.
Visuals and Atmosphere
The 2024 adaptation does succeed in creating a visually striking setting. Set in 1975, the film embraces the aesthetic of the time, from its polyester clothing to its period-appropriate soundtrack. The Gothic atmosphere of the Marsten House, where Kurt Barlow resides, evokes a haunting, eerie feeling reminiscent of classic vampire tales.
However, the film struggles to maintain consistent suspense or dread. While there are occasional standout moments—such as a morgue scene involving a homemade cross—these instances are few and far between. In a story that hinges on the creeping horror of a town slowly falling victim to vampires, the lack of escalating tension is a major drawback.
Comparison with Previous Adaptations
It’s impossible to talk about “Salem’s Lot” without comparing it to previous adaptations. Tobe Hooper’s 1979 miniseries is often regarded as one of the best Stephen King adaptations, with its slow-burn suspense and creepy atmosphere. While the 2024 version pays homage to the original with a few visual nods, it ultimately feels more like a retro reboot than a fresh take on the story.
Whereas Hooper’s version took its time to build an eerie, unsettling mood, Dauberman’s film feels hurried, as though trying to cram too much into too little time. The decision to go for a feature-length film instead of a miniseries may have been a misstep, as the richness of King’s world is better suited to a longer format.
Where to Watch “Salem’s Lot” Online
“Salem’s Lot” (2024) is available to stream on Max (formerly HBO Max), the exclusive U.S. streaming platform. You can also rent or purchase the film through popular services such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. It’s important to note that while the movie is available on these rental and purchase platforms, it may be geo-restricted in certain countries, so using a VPN might be necessary if you’re trying to access the film from outside the U.S.
For fans of Stephen King adaptations and vampire horror, Max is the best option to stream “Salem’s Lot” directly. The film is available in HD quality, ensuring that you can experience all the Gothic visuals and eerie atmosphere as intended.
Final Verdict
While “Salem’s Lot” (2024) had the potential to become a great modern vampire flick, it ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying experience. Its pacing issues, lack of character development, and rushed storytelling hamper the impact of the original story. However, if you’re a Stephen King fan or a completist who wants to experience every adaptation of his works, the movie might still hold some value, especially as a casual Halloween season watch.
For those looking for a more nuanced, slow-burn adaptation, revisiting Tobe Hooper’s 1979 version or reading King’s novel would be a better choice. That said, the 2024 film does offer a visually appealing take on the source material and boasts some solid performances. Just don’t expect it to live up to the iconic status of earlier adaptations.
