Read Positive User Reviews for Gerald's Game

7

JLuis_001Sep 29, 2017

I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by this adaptation because if there is something that Gerald's Game has is that along with Dolores Clairborne are my least favorite novels from Stephen King, let's face it, the premise is somewhatI must say that I was pleasantly surprised by this adaptation because if there is something that Gerald's Game has is that along with Dolores Clairborne are my least favorite novels from Stephen King, let's face it, the premise is somewhat ridiculous and the novel takes a long time to start, with those precedents I really believed that this would be a novel that would never be adapted and when I learn of the adaptation I thought it would be a failure.

But there are times when it's good to be wrong and Mike Flanagan's Gerald's Game showed me my mistake, not only it gets one of the best performances of Carla Gugino, who delivers a solid acting, turning the story into a narrative of horror with a study of character focused on her survival intertwined with the traumas of her past.

Flanagan also manages to do the best with only one location, it is true that we leave in few moments but it is only to know traces of the main character, yet everything is focused on the room and on the mind of the character.

I cannot go into more detail because it would ruin the plot, but if anything I must establish that this film along with IT shows that you can do good things with the stories of Stephen King, a pity that Sony **** it up with his biggest project, however I hope that good things will continue, especially with the good reviews that are already circulating about 1922, the next adaptation that would be released on Netflix in October, who knows? we only have to wait to taste the results.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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7

johnem95Sep 29, 2017

Lead by an on-her-A-game Carla Gugino (who finally gets to show off her acting chops in a leading role!), "Gerald's Game" is an investing psychological thriller with a surprisingly human touch.

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7

Rebecca31Oct 1, 2017

I’ll watch almost anything with Stephen King’s name on it so I just had to check out Gerald’s Game and I’m glad I did. A secluded cabin deep in the woods, all is going well between married couple Jessie and Gerald until Gerald takes anI’ll watch almost anything with Stephen King’s name on it so I just had to check out Gerald’s Game and I’m glad I did. A secluded cabin deep in the woods, all is going well between married couple Jessie and Gerald until Gerald takes an unexpected heart attack and leaves Jessie handcuffed to the bedframe. And it’s not those plastic handcuffs with the cheap piece of fluff glued on. No these handcuffs are the real deal. In the middle of nowhere, it doesn’t matter how loud you scream no one will hear you. Forcing you to ask yourself, just what would you do in that situation?

Gerald’s Game is oozing with suspense, I genuinely didn’t know what to expect but it certainly exceeded my expectations. Although the movie takes some unexpected turns and I still can’t get my head around where they were going with that ending I would definitely recommend Gerald’s Game. Carla Gugino giving an absolutely wonderful performance. Dark and disturbing, also slightly reminiscent of Stephen King’s other stories, Dolores Claiborne and Misery. I only wish it had gotten a cinema release, so what are you still reading this for? What else can I say, it’s highly recommended.… Expand

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10

CharlieGraySep 29, 2017

This movie was truly magnificent, I was at the edge of my seat the whole time. A great adaptation to the great Stephen King’s book.
Hands up, it’s incredible.

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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7

DirigiblePulpDec 5, 2017

A really solid flick that will grip you and hold you and tells a compelling story with really good acting. The whole thing is presented quite nicely. The moonlight man is haunting. The story is thematically sound. It won't change your life,A really solid flick that will grip you and hold you and tells a compelling story with really good acting. The whole thing is presented quite nicely. The moonlight man is haunting. The story is thematically sound. It won't change your life, or maybe even hang with you for all that long, but it's well told.… Expand

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8

GuillermoBMNov 17, 2017

Summary: Gerald's Game is a well-directed, beautifully shot thriller. The last 10 minutes may turn some people off, but those who don't care will enjoy every second of them, as I did. 81/100 [B+]

I waited for this film for so long, I'm gladSummary: Gerald's Game is a well-directed, beautifully shot thriller. The last 10 minutes may turn some people off, but those who don't care will enjoy every second of them, as I did. 81/100 [B+]

I waited for this film for so long, I'm glad it did not disappoint me. I haven't read the book but I had an idea of what the movie was about and I know Mike Flanagan really well. I really like the way he directs horror movies, Hush was awesome, Oculus is in my all time favorites and Ouija: Origin of Evil was fun. So I was very pumped for this.

I was surprised for how fast the first act went. It may seem a small scale movie but Flanagan managed to make this movie entertaining. The first 40 minutes went really fast. So moving on, the performances were really good, Carla Gugino as Jessie carried the entire film, she was perfect from beginning to end.

The film has many flashbacks and dreams sequences that I really loved. I was confused at first with the pessimist dead guy "Gerald" and the optimist Jessie, talking to the real Jessie. I felt the cringe during those scenes, but then I understood how traumatized and desperate she was in this situation that she started to see this hallucinations.

I love Mike Flanagan, he makes us care about the characters and their backstory. The entire eclipse sequence was so beautifully shot, and also disturbing in not a conventional way, I'm also happy to see Flanagan's wife Kate Siegel back in another movie from him even if she had very few minutes of screen time.

This movie had an awesome scene in which me and my sister screamed our lungs out (I'm serious). It's one of the most gruesome moments I've seen in a horror movie since Bone Tomahawk (2015). I do not know why so many people complain about the last minutes of the film, I thought the ending was fine and it did not ruin the whole experience, at least for me.

So in conclusion, I think this is a pretty good choice if you are a Stephen King or a Mike Flanagan fan. It's a small-scale, well-directed movie. I would have loved to see this movie in theaters. I hope Flanagan continues directing and writing more awesome horror movies. I can't even decide which one is my favorite now! [B+]… Expand

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8

jrossreviewsOct 6, 2017

JordanRossReviews: GERALD'S GAME - 8.1/10
Rating: NR | Family Friendly: No. 18+ | How to Watch: Netflix
"Surprisingly more introspective and less gruesome than I imagined" Gerald’s Game was surprisingly more introspective and less gruesomeJordanRossReviews: GERALD'S GAME - 8.1/10
Rating: NR | Family Friendly: No. 18+ | How to Watch: Netflix

"Surprisingly more introspective and less gruesome than I imagined"

Gerald’s Game was surprisingly more introspective and less gruesome than I imagined (except one particularly cringe-worthy scene). From a viewer who didn’t read the Stephen King novel the film was based upon, I went into the Netflix original prepared to be disturbed. The film doesn’t waste time getting you to the meat of the story. From the start Carla Gugino gives an emotionally powerful performance as Jessie – a mentally abused victim struggling to repair a failing marriage - that sets the tone for the rest of the film. The reluctance she shows toward her husband Gerald (Bruce Greenwood) forces you to never sit comfortably as the plot begins to be painted. One of the great strengths of this movie was answering the questions you were going to ask before you asked them. Understanding from the beginning that Jessie was to end up hand-cuffed to a bed throughout the entirety of the film already had me questioning her inability to escape. As soon as you see her situation play out and begin to think of her options, the writers provided answers as to why that isn’t possible in a unique and believable fashion. With the multitude of challenges she has to overcome she is forced to relive her disturbing past, which in-turn must help her overcome her shackled state if she is to even have a chance of surviving.
The use of symbolism in this film is constant, but so much so that at times it seems to spell it out for you, or literally tell you. I felt the comparisons between her current situation and her past was a bit too blunt. I would’ve called for a little less hand-holding and a bit more mystery surrounding the connections that were made between the men in her life. Yet one of the most obvious symbols - the blood-red eclipse – was one that surprised me the most as its representation transforms into a powerful message of strength. The anchor for this film was Carla Gugino and her amazingly powerful performance with a great showing from co-star Bruce Greenwood. The dialogue and thought process that unfolded from the two kept me emotionally entwined in the story and eager to find out what would happen next. Along with fantastic performers, Gerald’s Game was made better with the subtlety of the soundtrack and cinematography. I was more impressed at the times where there was no music playing at all, which seemed often and was appropriate. It built suspense and kept focus on the current scene when all the viewers were left with was the disturbing sounds of her struggle. The eclipse as mentioned was a favorite of mine. The deep red ring emphasized the horror of events unfolding, yet transformed with the character and began something greater. Even after the movie was finished I found myself thinking over the message that was left for the viewers to contemplate. It was one that I didn’t expect and was glad to see at the same time. Gerald’s Game was a fantastic physiological thriller that never had me shaking my head in un-believability. I enjoyed the restraint of music in key moments, and was enthralled by the situation presented. This makes two Stephen King adaptations that have nailed the difficult process of transforming a story from a book to film.… Expand

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8

NbecarriOct 26, 2017

Finally a good film adaptation of a Stephen king story after so long without one.
Without spoiling anything i'll say that Gerald's Game is a great thriller/horror movie with good performances and a story that will have your attention at allFinally a good film adaptation of a Stephen king story after so long without one.
Without spoiling anything i'll say that Gerald's Game is a great thriller/horror movie with good performances and a story that will have your attention at all times.
my only issue with this film is that it feels a bit stretched out at times and could've been a bit shorter.… Expand

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10

NairbYeldarbSep 30, 2017

Having also read the book this exceeded my expectations considerably. I would say it vastly outdoes IT in terms of a successful adaptation. IT was fantastic, I loved it and can't wait for Chapter Two, and I feel it definitely exceeded as aHaving also read the book this exceeded my expectations considerably. I would say it vastly outdoes IT in terms of a successful adaptation. IT was fantastic, I loved it and can't wait for Chapter Two, and I feel it definitely exceeded as a horror film based on a Stephen King novel, but was it a truly successful adaptation of the source material? I would say not- it's fine they cut some things because there's no way they could have included everything even from the kids' portion of the novel, but they changed around some things that they didn't have to like Mike's character and Patrick Hockstetter. This film however is a near perfect adaptation of Stephen King's novel of the same name. Actually I wanna just go ahead and say perfect. It's been a long time since I've read the novel- honestly one of the scariest and most intense books I've ever read- but as much as I can remember it really nailed everything spot on from start to finish. Nothing is held back either as far as the disturbing content of the novel, unlike IT- while IT had some gore and brutal scares, there was still a lot left out that was too disturbing even for an R rated film. This movie however dares to push the envelope in ways you will not see coming and uses gore in such a way that will guarantee to make you squirm and cover your eyes and say "WTF" even if you're watching it alone. You've been warned, there is one scene in particular that I actually covered my eyes through and was literally rolling around on the couch and yelling at my cat "what in the actual f**k?!" And I've watched a looooot of gory horror films. This movie was genuinely creepy and gut wrenching, and packs an emotional punch too. The end has some pretty neat revelations also that are totally faithful to the novel, and there are plenty of easter eggs tucked in the film for SK fans. Anyone who has watched or read Dolores Claiborne in particular will make some connections.

10/10. Absolutely brilliant. If you felt that IT wasn't quite as scary as you were expecting, watch this. If this movie doesn't creep you out, deeply disturb you or make you cover your eyes in horror by the time it's done, I don't know what to tell ya.… Expand

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8

TheQuietGamerOct 1, 2017

Mike Flanagan has become something of a proven name in the horror movie genre. This is less due to his ability to create real scares, and more based on how well he can come up with a compelling story that is backed up by strong characters,Mike Flanagan has become something of a proven name in the horror movie genre. This is less due to his ability to create real scares, and more based on how well he can come up with a compelling story that is backed up by strong characters, inventive scenarios, and unique concepts. So the prospect of him taking on adapting a Stephen King novel was rife with potential. I'm happy to say that he mostly delivered. Flanagan has brought the book to life in stunning fashion. For what it lacks in frights it more than makes up for in compelling drama that is bolstered by a fantastic lead performance from Carla Gugino.

Less focused on supernatural torment, "Gerald's Game" is all about one woman's struggle with facing her past while literally being bound in one place with nowhere to go. While our protagonist must fight to survive her current predicament, she must also struggle with who she become and face her inner demons, as was as possibly some outer ones too. The story is gripping and while it is backed by several great performances, it is Gugino who is left to do most of the heavy lifting as far as carrying the plot goes. Something she knocks out of the park in what may very well be a career defining performance. The complexity and depth of the material here elevates it to something more than just your average fright fest. Although, when all is said and done, I can't help but feel this adaptation could have been just a little bit better had it more of the energy of it's schlockier peers.

The situation itself is great. Plenty of potential there. Most of which is capitalized on. It's also good at keeping you engaged in the action while keeping you just a bit on edge because of what may happen when the sun goes down. Unfortunately, for all it's creepy foreshadowing there really isn't anything going bump in the night. The horror here comes from the overall danger of the situation, as well as from the cruelty of human nature. All things I'm cool with, but at the same time I couldn't help but wish there was something in here that would have made me jump.

Gerald's Game is a deep, meaningful horror flick with an intelligent story filled with strong themes. It's an absolute joy to watch Gugino's character face the inner demons of her past while fighting to survive in the present. The ending is a little goofy and there's nothing to make the skin crawl, but this is still an overall great movie and another win this year for Stephen King fans. Mike Flanagan's adaptation of the horror-meister's story might just be his best film thus far.

8.3/10… Expand

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10

trurlOct 3, 2017

Great untypical horror/drama movie. Without cheap jump scares and ridiculous music tension most horror movies have. But with strong characters and thoughtful movie making.

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10

BrianMcCriticDec 26, 2017

Who knew the best Stephen King adaptation of the year would be released on Netflix. Gerald's Game is a horror film that will chill you physically and psychologically. Carla Gugino and Bruce Greenwood are great and director Mike Flanagan hasWho knew the best Stephen King adaptation of the year would be released on Netflix. Gerald's Game is a horror film that will chill you physically and psychologically. Carla Gugino and Bruce Greenwood are great and director Mike Flanagan has his best film to date. This will be in my top 10 of the year. A… Expand

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7

temptershellOct 4, 2017

I think this movie is one of the greatest King’s adaptation in this century. Pure thriller, great actors and lot’s of chill moments. Brutal, natural and oneiric scenes are one of the strongest part of this Netflix’s production.

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8

Jess_HillMar 12, 2018

A film that is disturbing in its evicerating commentary on marriage, and deeply unsettling as a stomach-churning psychological thriller, this is a claustrophobic tale superbly performed under what must have been excruciating filmingA film that is disturbing in its evicerating commentary on marriage, and deeply unsettling as a stomach-churning psychological thriller, this is a claustrophobic tale superbly performed under what must have been excruciating filming conditions. With supernatural, psychological, and physical horror elements, not to mention the far deeper and painfully unnerving truth central to the plot, the storyline plays out in a manner which builds an almost unbearable tension with every scene. Carefully paced to elicit maximum unease, this is a film which is an exceptional example of the genre that is best followed up with a comedy and chamomile tea. 8.66/10… Expand

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10

panslabyrinthSep 30, 2017

Gerald's Game is one of the scariest films I have ever seen; the film is scary on both figurative and literal levels. Moreover, the film possesses a strong and disturbing dramatic heft to it to the extent that it makes Jess's surrealGerald's Game is one of the scariest films I have ever seen; the film is scary on both figurative and literal levels. Moreover, the film possesses a strong and disturbing dramatic heft to it to the extent that it makes Jess's surreal delusions of despair, seem too intrinsic, making this film a difficult yet a must-watch.… Expand

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8

TryASummersaultFeb 19, 2018

An incredibly creepy and twisted film full of outstanding psychological and visual terror. The story starts off as disturbing and gets into absolutely insanely demented territory with a fantastic performance from Carla Gugino. There are timesAn incredibly creepy and twisted film full of outstanding psychological and visual terror. The story starts off as disturbing and gets into absolutely insanely demented territory with a fantastic performance from Carla Gugino. There are times in this King adaptation that shake you to the core and show you so many different aspects of horror. Mike Flanagan knows how to set terrifying tone and atmosphere with the best of them and should be considered a top horror director. 8.4/10… Expand

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8

WaelMar 7, 2018

A psychological horror-thriller film about a woman hand-cuffed to a bed in the middle of nowhere and her struggle to survive, this project proves to be very scary, but not in the cheap way that most horror films are nowadays. The movieA psychological horror-thriller film about a woman hand-cuffed to a bed in the middle of nowhere and her struggle to survive, this project proves to be very scary, but not in the cheap way that most horror films are nowadays. The movie showcases some really creepy hair-raising imagery, topped with Carla Gugino's truly outstanding performance, and it feels very faithful to the original story by the spectacular Stephen King (I haven't read this book specifically, but I've read many others, and the fact that I could totally imagine King's writing while watching gives the film a sense of credibility). Haunting and, at a lot of points, exhilarating, this movie is totally worth giving it a shot.… Expand

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9

Semtex_SteveJan 14, 2018

I really enjoyed how they did this adaption. A lot of the thoughts and mindset of characters can be lost when paper is translated to screen, especially when the story is one of King's - who tends to rely a lot on inner monologues. This movieI really enjoyed how they did this adaption. A lot of the thoughts and mindset of characters can be lost when paper is translated to screen, especially when the story is one of King's - who tends to rely a lot on inner monologues. This movie managed to show all of this in a very cool way that also makes sense considering the main character is handcuffed to a bed, traumatised, dehydrated and hallucinating. The acting was spot on in my opinion - apart from a slightly blank-faced child actor, who still did a good job considering the role she had to play - the characters were sleazy, angry, catatonic and surprisingly funny when they had to be. Netflix is doing a really good job on these King adaptions. Shame the same can't be said for Sony - but that's a review for another day.… Expand

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8

BeastJ18Apr 23, 2018

One of the best recent Stephen King adaptions. It is a gripping and tense effort from the director and editor, with Carla Gugino summoning an excellent performance of fear and nuance.

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9

EverfieldsDec 20, 2017

Gerald's Game is a great thriller with some very disturbing scenes, it is well directed and the cast expertly delivers at every opportunity. The film picks up very quickly and will have you on the edge of your seat for it's entire duration.Gerald's Game is a great thriller with some very disturbing scenes, it is well directed and the cast expertly delivers at every opportunity. The film picks up very quickly and will have you on the edge of your seat for it's entire duration. Highly recommended for anyone with a taste for horror and suspense.… Expand

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9

benskylerhillApr 25, 2018

Claustrophobic thrillers such as this are very difficult to pull off; when nearly the entirety of the film's screen time is occupied by one actor trapped in one place, the pacing must be very quick. Otherwise, boredom takes over. I am happyClaustrophobic thrillers such as this are very difficult to pull off; when nearly the entirety of the film's screen time is occupied by one actor trapped in one place, the pacing must be very quick. Otherwise, boredom takes over. I am happy to report that Gerald's Game accomplishes this and is a gripping psychological horror.

Carla Gugino is by far the highlight of this film. She delivers an Oscar-worthy performance as she truly emulates the onset of insanity that slowly comes with the regression of the mind into hopelessness and desperation. Some of the supporting cast is less than impressive, but the writing is quick and smart and effectively keeps the story flowing at a steady but exciting rate, with the exception of the second act that does admittedly feel too slow to hold one's attention.

The imagery is something that surprised me greatly in this film. Mike Flanagan does not shy away from imagery that may disturb some, and the fact that he delivers it slowly and sporadically is what makes this such a terrifying horror. Gerald's Game is very similar to another one of Flanagan's films, Oculus, in that it has next to no jump-scares. Rather, it utilizes deeper, fundamental fears of the human mind such as insanity that may not startle you, but will certainly stick with you after the credits roll. The only real gripes I had with the movie were its slow-moving middle portion, and the fact that the ending is very much tonally inconsistent with the rest of the story. But aside from that, Gerald's Game is a nail-biter, and it fulfills its duty as an outstanding psychological horror.

Story: 8.5
Acting: 8.5
Script: 8
Visuals/Sound: 10
Entertainment Value: 8.5

MY RATING: 8.7/10… Expand

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7

assaedOct 15, 2018

فيلم جيد يستحق المشاهدة. في هذا الفيلم يختلط الخيال بالواقع، و يتوجب التركيز جيدا اثناء متابعته، لأنه يحتوي على الكثير من المشاهد الرمزية.
اثناء الهذيان الذي تمر البطلة، يتجسد صوت العقل والحكمة والأمل في صورتها النسخة، في حين يتجسد صوت اليأسفيلم جيد يستحق المشاهدة. في هذا الفيلم يختلط الخيال بالواقع، و يتوجب التركيز جيدا اثناء متابعته، لأنه يحتوي على الكثير من المشاهد الرمزية.
اثناء الهذيان الذي تمر البطلة، يتجسد صوت العقل والحكمة والأمل في صورتها النسخة، في حين يتجسد صوت اليأس في هيئة زوجها المتوفي الذي يواصل في محاولات تكبيلهاو دفعها نحو الاستسلام. فيلم شيق تتوضح فيه شخصية البطلة تدريجيا و تشفى من بقايااسرارها و مشاكل طفولتها الصعبة… Expand

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8

hornysoulSep 23, 2018

"Gerald's Game" é um filme perturbador e profundamente inquietante. Um verdadeiro thriller psicológico de dar voltas ao estômago. Com elementos de terror sobrenaturais, psicológicos e físicos, a história cria uma tensão quase insuportável em"Gerald's Game" é um filme perturbador e profundamente inquietante. Um verdadeiro thriller psicológico de dar voltas ao estômago. Com elementos de terror sobrenaturais, psicológicos e físicos, a história cria uma tensão quase insuportável em cada cena.… Expand

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8

EllisEverettJan 29, 2019

It should have received a better score. It was scary, emotional, and real at the same time.

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7

johnbobs1Feb 28, 2021

Gerald's Game has a simple enough basic plot, but it's a very emotionally deep watch. I can't say I "enjoyed" it as such, but found myself glued to the screen throughout. To say that Jessie is a well thought out character with a well fleshedGerald's Game has a simple enough basic plot, but it's a very emotionally deep watch. I can't say I "enjoyed" it as such, but found myself glued to the screen throughout. To say that Jessie is a well thought out character with a well fleshed out backstory is an understatement. It's a film full of heavy metaphor too in its secondary cast:Gerald, the dog and the ghoulish presence all symbolise malevolent memories and a psychological barrier that Jessie has to overcome. The ghoul unfortunately turns out to be a real character, which although sinister perhaps chips away at the deeper nature of the plot. It's also not a film I would go back and watch and not a film that was really to my taste, though admittedly very well made, thought out and acted.… Expand