Released in theatres on April 10, 2019, Pet Sematary is a horror film directed by Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer, based on a screenplay by Jeff Buhler. Adapted from the iconic novel by Stephen King, the movie features performances by Jason Clarke, Amy Seimetz, and John Lithgow. It will be available on Netflix starting March 20, 2026.
Forbidden for viewers under 12, the film follows Dr. Louis Creed as he moves with his wife Rachel and their two children to a rural town in Maine. Not far from their new home lies a mysterious pet cemetery, hidden deep within the woods. After a family tragedy, Louis, guided by his neighbor Jud Crandall, makes a decision that unleashes uncontrollable malevolent forces.
Published in 1983, Stephen King's novel remains one of his most celebrated works—and one of his most personal. The author initially hesitated to release it, considering it too frightening. Inspired by real-life events—including his daughter's cat dying and a narrow escape from danger involving his son—the book delves into the universal fear of losing loved ones and the profound impact of grief.
This 2019 adaptation isn't just a straightforward remake of Mary Lambert's 1990 film; it's a fresh reinterpretation of the original story. The directors opted to change a key plot element from both the novel and the original film, aiming to deepen the exploration of family relationships and existential questions that lie at the heart of the narrative.
The filming primarily took place near Montreal, where the crew recreated the eerie atmosphere of Maine. The Creed family’s house was set up on a large outdoor site, allowing the production to build the iconic “cemetery sign” — whose misspelling originates from a poorly written sign by a child. Some forest scenes were shot in authentic natural settings, while other elements, such as the marshes and the staircase leading to the cemetery, were constructed in the studio.
Church, the star feline of the film, was played by two rescue Maine Coons, Tonic and Leo. The crew focused on positive reinforcement during filming, and both cats were adopted after production wrapped. Practical special effects were also employed, especially for some of the particularly gory scenes featuring Jud, portrayed by John Lithgow.
Pet Sematary
Movie | 2019
Released in theaters: April 10, 2019
Available on Netflix from March 20, 2026
Horror | Duration: 1h41
Directed by Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer
Starring Jason Clarke, Amy Seimetz, John Lithgow
Original title: Pet Sematary
Country: United States
Straddling the line between psychological horror and visceral terror, Pet Sematary explores the thin boundary between love and obsession, while also echoing one of Stephen King's central themes: sometimes, it’s better not to disturb the dead.
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