When Stephen King’s ’Salem’s Lot was first published in 1975, it redefined the vampire myth for American readers—taking gothic horror from faraway castles and placing it squarely in the heart of small-town Maine. Nearly fifty years later, Salem’s Lot (2024) brings this haunting tale back to the screen with a cinematic adaptation directed by Gary Dauberman, offering both homage to the novel and a contemporary vision of fear.
The Story in Brief
At its core, the film follows Ben Mears (Lewis Pullman), a writer returning to Jerusalem’s Lot, the town of his childhood. Hoping to find inspiration, Ben instead discovers that an ancient darkness has settled in: the vampire Kurt Barlow, brought to town by the enigmatic Richard Straker (Pilou Asbæk).
As residents fall victim one by one, Ben joins forces with a handful of allies—a priest, a doctor, and a brave young boy—to confront the spreading evil. The result is a chilling reminder that sometimes the greatest horrors lie not in distant legends but in familiar streets and neighbors’ homes.
Style and Atmosphere
Dauberman, best known for his work in The Conjuring universe and It, leans heavily on atmosphere. The film embraces a retro 1970s aesthetic, with muted colors, grainy textures, and a deliberate pace that mirrors the creeping dread of King’s original novel. Rather than relying on jump scares alone, Salem’s Lot builds suspense through long silences, unsettling imagery, and the gradual unraveling of a community under siege.
Performances
Lewis Pullman brings a quiet intensity to Ben Mears, portraying him as both vulnerable and determined. Pilou Asbæk’s Straker is charismatic yet menacing, a perfect human counterpart to the monstrous Barlow. Supporting performances from Alfre Woodard and Bill Camp add depth, grounding the supernatural chaos in human emotion and moral conflict.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The film succeeds in capturing atmosphere and delivering visual horror—especially in its set-pieces, such as the infamous bedroom window scene and a climactic confrontation in a drive-in theater. These moments remind viewers why Salem’s Lot has long been considered one of King’s most terrifying works.
However, the adaptation also faces challenges. At just under two hours, it condenses a sprawling novel, leaving some character arcs underdeveloped. Viewers unfamiliar with the book may find the pacing uneven, while fans may notice the absence of certain beloved subplots.
