Released onto Netflix this past month, director Mike Flanagan’s adaptation of the 1992 Stephen King novel Gerald’s Game has been earning rave reviews [read ours here], although one particular aspect of the film has been dividing audiences.
As with the book, the film – which stars Carla Gugino and Bruce Greenwood – ends with an extended (and somewhat clunky) coda which has been attracting criticism from some viewers, but as Flanagan reveals to Bloody Disgusting, he wanted to remain faithful to King’s source material.
“It was something when I read the book that I loved. I know it was polarizing with fans of the book, so the people that hated that epilogue in the book are going to hate it in the movie. I fully expect that [the epilogue is] going to be the lightning rod for people to be like ‘Oh I was so into it and then (groans) that ending.’ But that’s what happened in the book. There was never a time where it felt right to do the film without that ending, for better or worse”
What did you make of the ending? Was Flanagan right to stick with the source material? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…
While trying to spice up their marriage in their remote lake house, Jessie must fight to survive when her husband dies unexpectedly, leaving her handcuffed to their bed frame.
Gerald’s Game is available to watch on Netflix now.
