Rebecca Ferguson is having a moment, and one of her most overlooked films is finally getting its due. Doctor Sleep, the 2019 sequel to The Shining, has been quietly climbing the VOD charts on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV, proving that audiences are ready to revisit this ambitious Stephen King adaptation.
Ferguson, who plays the villainous Rose the Hat in the film, has been on a hot streak lately. She starred in the sci-fi thriller Mercy alongside Chris Pratt, which, despite a lackluster box office run, became a massive hit on Prime Video. She also headlined the Apple TV+ series Silo, which returned for a fourth and final season next summer. And she's set to reprise her role as Lady Jessica in Dune: Part Three, though she's revealed her part will be brief.
But it's Doctor Sleep that's capturing attention now. Directed by Mike Flanagan, a frequent adapter of King's work, the film stars Ewan McGregor as a grown-up Dan Torrance, still haunted by the events at the Overlook Hotel. He meets Abra, a young girl who shares his psychic gift, and together they take on the True Knot, a cult that preys on children with the shine.
The film, which runs 152 minutes, was a box office disappointment when it hit theaters in 2019, but it's found a devoted audience over time. With strong scores on Rotten Tomatoes—79% from critics and 89% from audiences—it's a testament to Flanagan's skill at blending King's horror with emotional depth.
For those new to the story, the official synopsis reads: "Struggling with alcoholism, Dan Torrance remains traumatized by the sinister events that occurred at the Overlook Hotel when he was a child. His hope for a peaceful existence soon becomes shattered when he meets Abra, a teen who shares his extrasensory gift of the 'shine.' Together, they form an unlikely alliance to battle the True Knot, a cult whose members try to feed off the shine of innocents to become immortal."
While Doctor Sleep may not be as iconic as Stanley Kubrick's 1980 classic, it stands on its own as a worthy sequel. Ferguson's performance as Rose the Hat is a standout, bringing a chilling charisma to the role. McGregor delivers a nuanced portrayal of a man battling his demons, and the supporting cast, including Cliff Curtis and Zahn McClarnon, adds depth.
If you're looking for a horror film that's more than just scares, Doctor Sleep is worth a watch. It's a slow-burn thriller that rewards patience, and it's now easily accessible on VOD. For more on Stephen King adaptations, check out our list of his best opening lines or our guide for newcomers to his work.
As Ferguson continues to dominate screens, it's clear that Doctor Sleep is a hidden gem in her filmography. Whether you're a fan of the book, the movie, or just great horror, this is a film that deserves a second look. And with its current VOD resurgence, there's no better time to dive in.
