So you want to make an adaptation of aStephen Kingstory.

How do you go about it?

No matter the approach, the adaptations that have endured are few and far between.

Sophie Thatcher as Sadie Harper holding a lighter in ‘The Boogeyman’

Image via 20th Century Studios

The external was merely a reflection of the pain we carry inside.

In directorRob SavagesThe Boogeyman, Kings short story of the same name is but a launching off point.

Sophie Thatcher Must Face The Boogeyman Alone

This all rests on the shoulders of young Sadie Harper.

Vivien Lyra Blair as Sawyer Harper holding on to Sophie Thatcher as Sadie Harper in The Boogeyman

Image via 20th Century Studios

However, even as he has died, there is something that he leaves behind.

The emotions are there, but the execution is often lacking.

The task of offering said explanations falls to the magnificent yet underutilizedMarin Irelandof the disquieting upcoming horror filmBirth/Rebirth.

Chris Messina as Will looking up from papers he was reading in The Boogeyman

Image via 20th Century Studios

Where it could have been this year’sSmile, it comes up just short.

Rating:B-

The Boogeymanis in theaters starting June 2.

The Boogeyman