The Boogeyman DVD Review – Stephen King's Shadow Monster Hits Home

Not too long ago I snagged the last copy of "The Boogeyman" on DVD from Amazon, which immediately made me wonder if the scarcity was because this 2023 Stephen King adaptation was either a hidden gem, in short print, or a total disaster that people were either hoarding or avoiding, altogether.

The film, directed by Rob Savage, draws inspiration from Stephen King's 1973 short story of the same name (from the "Night Shift" collection), expanding the brief, chilling tale of a monstrous entity into a full feature-length story. It centers on a family grappling with profound grief after a tragic loss, only to find their pain attracting something far more sinister.

The plot follows a therapist father and his two daughters as they navigate emotional turmoil in their dimly lit home, where an ancient, predatory creature begins to manifest and prey on their vulnerabilities. It builds tension through psychological dread and escalating encounters without relying on over-the-top gore, keeping much of the horror intimate and shadow-bound. In doing so it cleverly ties the supernatural threat to real human suffering.

The casting is strong across the board. Sophie Thatcher shines as the older sister Sadie, bringing raw intensity and emotional depth to a teen forced into a protective role. Vivien Lyra Blair is convincingly vulnerable and terrified as the younger Sawyer, while Chris Messina plays the grieving, somewhat distant father Will with quiet restraint. David Dastmalchian delivers a memorable, unsettling cameo as the disturbed Lester Billings, whose brief appearance sets everything in motion. The titular Boogeyman itself is presented as a lanky, shadowy, multi-limbed nightmare that is mostly glimpsed in flickers, dark corners, and brief reveals using a smart blend of practical and CGI effects that make it feel genuinely otherworldly and menacing rather than cartoonish.

Pacing-wise, the film starts deliberately, building unease through family dynamics before ramping up the scares, though the middle section is a bit uneven as it juggles character drama and horror beats. Performances are solid, particularly from the leads, who sell the grief and fear effectively. The creature effects applied impress, especially in how the monster moves and lurks, avoiding the pitfalls of overexposure.

Atmosphere is one of the film's strongest suits for those who are interested. Creaky houses, dim lighting, and strategic use of darkness create a constant sense of dread. Sound design excels with subtle creaks, whispers, and sudden noises that make you jump, while the soundtrack adds eerie, pulsing tension without overpowering the scares. The fear factor leans more toward creepy suspense and solid jump scares than outright terror, but it delivers genuine chills, especially in quieter moments.

Compared to older Stephen King adaptations like "The Shining" or "Carrie", it doesn't quite reach those masterful heights. It's more straightforward and PG-13 restrained by comparison, but it holds up better than many modern ones, feeling like a respectful, atmospheric take rather than a cash-grab.

The Verdict ...

Overall, the plot is serviceable and thematically tied to King's original idea of fear personified. The performances and casting elevate the material, and the horror elements (especially the creature and sound) land well. It stacks up decently against other "boogeyman"-style films, and is more effective than generic monster fare but not as iconic as something like "It Follows" or "The Babadook" in reimagining childhood fears. For a physical media collection, it's worth seeking out if you're a King completist or enjoy solid, creepy creature features on disc. The DVD/Blu-ray release offers good audiovisual quality for home viewing.

Final score: 3.5 out of 5. "In the shadows of grief, every creak sounds like claws on the door, but sometimes the real monster is the one we can't let go."