Rob Savage’s adaptation of Stephen King’s “The Boogeyman” takes a fresh approach to the beloved short story, building on its themes while offering a new narrative with fresh characters. While it may not replicate the eerie atmosphere of the original, it expands on King’s concerns about parental neglect and the terrifying power of unchecked fear.
The story follows two grieving sisters, Sawyer and Sadie, who find themselves plagued by a sinister presence in their home after their mother’s death. They seek help from Dr. Harper, a therapist grappling with his own grief over his wife’s fatal accident. Unlike King’s version, Dr. Harper is not the Boogeyman in disguise, but a vulnerable professional tormented by his inability to protect his daughters.

A Still From The Boogeyman Movie 2023. (Via IMDB)
While the movie deviates from the original, it retains the essence of King’s work, highlighting the devastating effects of parental negligence. The Boogeyman selects families based on the parents’ neglect of their children’s emotional needs, leaving viewers to ponder the responsibilities of parenthood and the terrifying consequences of ignoring fear.
Despite its chilling premise, the film lacks the haunting ambiguity of the short story. The Boogeyman is not merely hinted at but visually presented, losing some of the psychological terror associated with its elusive presence. While this adaptation might disappoint fans craving the original’s suspense, it opens a new chapter in the Boogeyman mythos, leaving space for future explorations.
