A writer returns to his hometown of Jerusalem’s Lot in search of inspiration for his next book, only to discover that the townspeople are being turned into vampires. Based on Stephen King’s novel, a film by Gary Dauberman, starring Lewis Pullman, Makenzie Leigh, Alfre Woodard, John Benjamin Hickey, Bill Camp, Jordan Preston Carter, Nicholas Crovetti, Spencer Treat Clark, William Sadler, Debra Christofferson, Alexander Ward, Cade Woodward, and Pilou Asbæk.

R.T. Straker (Pilou Asbæk) has just moved from London to Jerusalem’s Lot to open his shop, Barlow & Straker, where he sells fine furniture and selected antiques. He hires Royal Snow (Timothy John Smith) to retrieve a special crate arriving at the wharf that evening. He gives detailed instructions that the crate must be delivered to his home on the hill, known as the Marsten House, and placed in the back of the cellar.

Later that evening, Royal and Hank Peters (Mike Kaz) deliver the crate to the cellar of the Marsten House. Hank mentions that he heard a story about the previous owner, Hubert Marsten, who shot his wife and then killed himself in this house. However, Royal dismisses Hank’s story, asserting that they are just tales. As they carry the crate down the stairs into the cellar, Hank loses his grip and drops it. Part of the crate breaks off, and dirt spills out. Hank becomes curious about what is actually inside the crate, but Royal insists that he doesn’t want to know. After placing the crate in the back of the cellar, Royal becomes entranced by a mysterious voice emanating from it, calling him to come closer.

On 23 September 1975, Ben Mears (Lewis Pullman), a writer, returns to Jerusalem’s Lot to find inspiration for his next novel in the town where he was born. This visit comes after his sophomore book, Air Dance, received criticism and poor sales. As he contemplates the Marsten House on the hill, he is startled by Parkins Gillespie (William Sadler), the town’s constable, who thinks Ben is lost. Ben tells Parkins that he used to live there as a kid and that he is seeking a little inspiration for his book.

Upon arriving in town, Ben stops at L. Crockett’s Real Estate to rent a place during his stay. He meets Susan Norton (Makenzie Leigh), a young secretary who is reading his novel Air Dance, although she doesn’t realize he is the author. Their conversation is cut short when Larry Crockett (Michael Steven Costello) walks out of his office and introduces himself to Ben.

Ben asks Larry if anyone has bought the Marsten House, as he saw someone inside on his way in. Larry tells Ben that the new owner is a European man who has just opened a shop across the street. Larry then attempts to sell Ben a house, claiming it is a good investment. However, Susan intervenes, suggesting that Eva Miller, who lives on Railroad Street, has a couple of rooms for rent. After Ben leaves, Susan realizes that he is the author of the book she’s reading.

Ben visits the local library to research the town’s history using a microfiche reader. Susan arrives to return the books she borrowed, followed by her mother, Ann (Debra Christofferson), who tries to set her up with Floyd Tibbits (Kellan Rhude). Frustrated, Susan insists she is not interested in Floyd. Mabel Werts (Rebecca Gibel), the gossiping librarian, signals to Susan that Ben Mears is here at the library, knowing he is her favorite author.

Mabel continues to gossip about Ben’s tragic past, mentioning that his parents were killed in a car accident on Halliwell Road 20 years ago. She then asks Susan and Ann if they have any plans for the weekend. Seizing the opportunity, Susan loudly announces that she’s going to the drive-in tonight, making sure Ben hears where she’s going.

Meanwhile, Straker has targeted the Glick brothers, Ralphie (Cade Woodward) and Danny (Nicholas Crovetti). He pretends to drive by as the brothers walk home and offers them a ride. Suspicious, Danny declines Straker’s offer and takes his brother through the woods, unaware that Straker is quietly following them. Seizing the moment when Danny isn’t looking, Straker kidnaps Ralphie and feeds him to Kurt Barlow (Alexander Ward) as a sacrifice.

After the disappearance of Ralphie Glick, Ben joins the town’s search party and befriends Matt Burke (Bill Camp), a local high school teacher. Later, Barlow lures Danny out of the house and turns him into a vampire. Unbeknownst to Danny’s mother and the townspeople, Danny is believed to have died from pernicious anemia, according to Dr. Cody (Alfre Woodard). The night after Danny’s funeral, he bites Mike Ryerson (Spencer Treat Clark), the groundskeeper at the local cemetery, turning him into another vampire.

Pernicious anemia is a specific type of anemia characterized by the body’s inability to absorb vitamin B12, which is essential for the production of healthy red blood cells. This condition arises primarily due to an autoimmune response that damages the stomach lining and the cells responsible for producing intrinsic factor, a protein necessary for vitamin B12 absorption.

Written and directed by American filmmaker Gary Dauberman, ‘Salem’s Lot is based on Stephen King’s 1975 novel of the same name. This impressive supernatural horror film captivated me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it — so much so that I will likely rewatch it soon.

Perhaps my appreciation stems from my longstanding fondness for Dracula stories, which I find more compelling than tales of haunted houses or vengeful spirits.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

While the plot and the rules governing vampires may not offer anything particularly new — given that it’s based on a book written nearly 50 years ago — I can understand some characters’ unrealistic behaviors. However, I appreciate that the film evokes an old-school Dracula vibe, enhanced by a substantial budget that makes every detail visually stunning. The main characters are well-developed, possessing qualities that made me root for their survival.

One of the film’s standout features is the cinematography by Michael Burgess, known for his work on MALIGNANT (2021) and The CONJURING: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021). The cinematography and transitions in this film are exquisite. I also like the idea of using a glowing cross, as it’s not the typical cross we usually see in vampire movies.

I particularly love how they filmed certain shots through glass windows, capturing reflections of the surroundings. It is not only aesthetically pleasing but also demonstrates a keen attention to details we often overlook when the camera focuses solely on what’s in front. It creates an immersive experience, making us feel as though we are there with the characters rather than merely seeing a set piece in a studio.

‘SALEM’S LOT premiered at the Beyond Fest 2024 Opening Night on 25 September 2024. The film was released on Max on 3 October.

Dauberman’s First ‘Salem’s Lot’ Cut Was 3 Hours Long and Included Marsten House Opening
Dauberman reveals that his initial cut of the film, which included more of the town’s backstory, was significantly longer. One of the most difficult things that Dauberman let go was an incident that occurs in the past of writer Ben Mears, when as a child he sneaked into the Marsten House — the abandoned mansion that broods over Salem’s Lot — and had what may have been a supernatural experience.