A Stephen King Sci-Fi Horror Dubbed 'Most Shocking Ending Ever' is Now on Prime (and It's Free to Watch)

Summary

• The movie is based on the work of Stephen King, but has a different ending than the book.
• The author approved the change.
• Forget the gore, this is real horror.

Stephen King is pretty much universally considered the best horror writer of all time. Many of his books have been adapted for the screen. But while there are obviously some changes that have to be made when adapting a story for television or film, it's rare that the ending is completely rewritten.

This film is one of those rare examples. But don't worry, we won't spoil the ending for you. You'll want to find out for yourself.

Based on a Stephen King novella

The Mist is a novella first published in 1980. It was part of King's Dark Forces trilogy and focused on Lovecraftian horror, in which fear is based on the unknown. Instead of a single threat to the protagonists, King introduced several different monsters that revealed themselves in different ways.

This was made possible by setting the story in a city shrouded in fog. The story examines how people react in a crisis, and has a particular focus on religious fundamentalism and the way it can influence perspectives in a given set of circumstances.

These key themes remain at the heart of the 2007 film, written and directed by Frank Darabont. But there's an added twist.

What's it about?

When a thunderstorm hits a small town in Maine, artist David Drayton (played by Thomas Jane) and his son Billy (Nathan Gamble) head into town to pick up supplies at the grocery store.

However, a strange fog seems to be enveloping the town. When they arrive at the store, they discover that others have had the same idea of stocking up on groceries.

But while they're in the store, the fog seems to be getting thicker and thicker, and it feels like it's closing in on the store. Eventually, the managers are forced to close the store and try to keep people from leaving.

Not everyone is happy to stay inside. David is worried about his wife Stephanie, but feels that staying in the store is the safest thing to do until they know what they're dealing with.

Then things take a turn. Monsters begin to emerge from the mist outside and try to enter. And a customer starts trying to convert people to her religious beliefs. As the situation worsens, her thoughts turn to sacrificial deaths to appease the threats.

Now the danger is no longer just outside. Some choose to leave. But is it really safer out there in the unknown?

Darabont sought King's approval before shooting the new ending

It can't be easy to tell an author of Stephen King's caliber that you've come up with a better ending for one of his stories. But that's exactly what Frank Darabont did.

After sending his idea to the author for review, he couldn't have been happier with the response.

'I love your ending.' King wrote, adding, 'I'm sorry I didn't think of it, because I would've written that instead.'

He went on to describe it as 'anti-Hollywood' and 'nihilistic' and said we 'need movies that dare to piss people off.'

The Most sure does that. The first time you see how it ends, you're going to scream at the TV. To be honest, it doesn't get any easier the second or third or fourth time you see it, but it is the perfect ending.

The movie has a 73% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has grossed $57 million, suggesting that critics and audiences agree.

Where can I watch it?

You can watch The Mist for free on Prime.

It's also available to rent or buy on:

• Apple TV
• YouTube
• Vudu
• Google Play
• Starz
• Paramount
• Sky Store (UK only)

Source: Slashfilm.