The Horror Show
1922
by Zak Hilditch
Let’s go back to 2017 for a bit, when Netflix quietly launched an adaptation of a lesser-known novella from the bestselling author Stephen King. With the dual role of director and screenwriter, Zak Hilditch delivered the unsettling thriller, 1922 that opted to disturb rather than scare.
In 1922 the story follows Wilfred, (Thomas Jane) a man who enjoys a simple life with his family on the farm, which his wife, Arlette (Molly Parker), inherited. While he is living his dream life, Arlette struggles to cope with their rural lifestyle and is driven to move to the city. Once she realizes Wilfred is strongly opposed to such a plan, she announces that she will take their 14 year-old son, Henry (Dylan Schmid), and move away.
Her announcement anchors the starting point of Wilfred’s journey towards madness. He cannot accept the fact that the family will break apart and that’s when he comes up with a solution: Arlette must die. Remarkably portraying a tough-loving father figure, Wilfred meticulously manipulates his son, pushing all the right buttons, and ultimately manages to convince him to conspire against his mother.
As the narrative kicks off and we start to get more familiarized with the personas and stories, Wilfred’s character feels a bit overdone. But as he delves deeper and deeper into madness, Hilditch’s work shines through. It’s then that we realize how skillfully Jane devolves into insanity and how aptly Hilditch handled King’s novella.
Placing the focus on Wilfred’s sinister state of mind and his intentions to put his needs before his wife’s life makes 1922 rather disturbing.
Throughout the storyline of the film insanity, guilt, and remorse are prominent. But what makes Hilditch’s adaptation stand out is Jane’s impressive performance, and of course, his great skill to turn a slow-burner into an intense crime thriller.
Maria Kriva, HMS
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