Runtime: 104min 33secs
Tagline: Enjoy your stay.
Directed by: Mikael Håfström
Screenplay by: Matt Greenberg and Scott Alexander
Plot Outline:
Based on the short Stephen King horror story of the same name, 1408 surrounds supernatural writer Mike Enslin (John Cusack), an author of two hit books focusing on supernatural phenomena.
As research for his latest book & based on an anonymous tip that it’s a room ‘not’ to stay in, Enslin is determined to check out the notorious room 1408 in a New York City hotel by personally staying there as a guest in the fabled room. The intention being to prove that 1408 is just a myth perpetuated by stories and rumor that Enslin has collected for his past works.
However, hotel manager Mr. Olin (Samuel L Jackson) has strong objections to Enslin’s stay and only warns him of possible danger to come. But Enslin is determined to go through and convinced that the horrific past of 1408 is just mere coincidence and a myth. But what Mike Enslin is about to experience is no myth, as 1408 truly is a room where the guests don’t check out.
Overall Impressions:
In a day and age where the term ‘horror film’ seems to have been taken over by appearing like a visual seizure or to have ample guts and blood, this film holds up as a reminder of what horror should be like. Chilling, intimidating, playing with your mind rather than being plain revolting to watch and it scores in every aspect. If this type of horror were to return as standard, I’d be far less restrained to go watch them.
All praise from me. A definite must see.
Reviewed by Ramchandra