Misery (1990)
Rob Reiner's chilling adaptation of Stephen King's novel pits a captive novelist against his dangerously obsessed rescuer in a battle of wills and survival.
Misery - Movie Information
- Original Title: Misery
- Release Year: 1990
- Directed by: Rob Reiner
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 47m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 30, 1990 (Canada - 14A), November 30, 1990 (United States - R), May 10, 1991 (United Kingdom), April 25, 1991 (Germany - 16), February 13, 1991 (France - 12), March 28, 1991 (Australia - M), March 4, 1992 (Brazil - 14), March 8, 1991 (Italy - VM14), April 11, 1991 (Spain - 18), March 1, 1991 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: مصیبت (IR), Miseria (SV), Lida (FI), Misery - Stephen King (AU), 미져리 (KR), Misery (ES), Lida (SE), Misery non deve morire (IT)
- Production Companies: Castle Rock Entertainment, Nelson Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
Misery - Plot
After an accident, acclaimed novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued by a nurse who claims to be his biggest fan. Her obsession takes a dark turn when she holds him captive in her remote Colorado home and forces him to write back to life the popular literary character he killed off.
Misery - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the tension unfold from the very first frame:
Paul Sheldon used to write for a living. Now, he's writing to stay alive.
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Misery - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Rob Reiner
Main Cast
- Kathy Bates
- James Caan
- Richard Farnsworth
- Lauren Bacall
- Frances Sternhagen
- Graham Jarvis
- Jerry Potter
- Thomas Brunelle
- June Christopher
- Julie Payne
Writers
- William Goldman
Producers
- Rob Reiner
- Andrew Scheinman
Misery - FAQs
What is the hobbling scene in Misery?
The hobbling scene is one of cinema's most notorious moments of screen violence. Annie Wilkes uses a sledgehammer to break Paul Sheldon's ankles, preventing him from escaping. Adapted from Stephen King's novel, where the act was more graphic, director Rob Reiner toned it down slightly but it remains deeply disturbing and unforgettable.
Is Misery based on a true story?
Misery is based on Stephen King's 1987 novel of the same name. King has said the story was partly inspired by his own struggles with addiction, with Annie Wilkes representing his relationship with drugs and alcohol. The character of Paul Sheldon also reflects King's anxieties about his public persona and reader expectations.
Who are the main actors in Misery?
Misery stars Kathy Bates as the terrifying Annie Wilkes and James Caan as captive novelist Paul Sheldon. The supporting cast includes Richard Farnsworth as local sheriff Buster, Lauren Bacall as Paul's literary agent Marcia Sindell, and Frances Sternhagen as Buster's sharp-witted wife Virginia.
Where can I stream or watch Misery?
Misery is available to stream on Netflix, fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, and Philo, as well as on Netflix Standard with Ads. It can also be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home, or rented on Spectrum On Demand.
Did Kathy Bates win an Oscar for Misery?
Yes. Kathy Bates won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Annie Wilkes in Misery at the 63rd Academy Awards in 1991. It was a landmark win, as she became the first actress to win the Oscar for a Stephen King adaptation, and the role remains the defining performance of her career.
What is the age rating for Misery?
Misery is rated R in the United States, meaning viewers under 17 require accompanying parental or adult guardian supervision. The rating reflects the film's intense scenes of psychological and physical violence, disturbing themes of captivity and obsession, and several moments of graphic injury.
How long is Misery?
Misery has a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes (107 minutes). Despite its relatively compact length, the film builds sustained psychological tension throughout, making it feel both tightly paced and immersive. Director Rob Reiner keeps the story focused almost entirely on the two central characters.
What are similar movies to Misery?
If you enjoyed Misery, you may also like Dolores Claiborne (1995) and Pet Sematary (1989), both Stephen King adaptations with dark psychological depth. Psycho (1960) and The Silence of the Lambs (1991) offer similarly tense, character-driven thrills, while Stand by Me (1986) showcases another side of King's storytelling.
More About Misery
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