A 2011 historical drama miniseries that Stephen King heaped with praisehas surged to the top of the streaming charts 14 years after its original release. With over66 books to his name, Stephen King is a prolific author. However, the writer has never limited his output to the world of fiction alone.
Since his 1974 debut novelCarrie, King has regularly waded into the waters of criticism and commentary, as well as penning many fiction books.King’s recent movie,The Life of Chuck,was met with resounding critical acclaim, but not all of his adaptations have been so fortunate.
Stephen King Praised 2011’s Mildred Pierce Upon Its Original Release
King Called Kate Winslet’s Titular Role “A Genuine Star Turn”
Despite this, the writer has never held his tongue when he has a hot take on a movie or TV show, as evidenced by his 2011Newsweekpiece, “Mommie Dearest and Her Devil Daughter.” A review of HBO’sMildred Pierceminiseries, this article lavishes praise on director Todd Haynes’ adaptation of James M. Cain’s Depression-Era novel of the same name.
King praisedMildred Pierceupon release, saying “there’s terrific acting in Todd Haynes’s chilly remake” and “the Depression-era set decoration is perfect.”
King praisedMildred Pierceupon release, saying “there’s terrific acting in Todd Haynes’s chilly remake” and “the Depression-era set decoration is perfect.” Although he contended that the miniseries was too long, this hasn’t hurt the adaptation’s renewed popularity among a new generation of viewers, as2011’sMildred Pierceis one of the most-watched shows on streaming in August 2025.
Since the release ofMildred Pierce, Haynes has gone on to greater fame with award-winning movies likeCarolandMay December. However, it is no surprise thathorror legend Stephen Kingsingled outMildred Pierceas the Haynes project he praised.The adaptation is darker than period drama fans may expect.
Mildred Pierce Is Perfect For Fans of Dark Period Dramas
The Cain Adaptation Is Among Haynes’ Best Work
The story of the eponymous self-sacrificing mother,Mildred Piercesees Winslet’s conflicted heroine struggle with her selfish daughter, played by Evan Rachel Wood. While 1945’s earlier film noir adaptation played up the novel’s dark side, the grim aspects of the story sneak in almost unnoticed in Haynes’ version of events.
Mildred Pierceis available to stream on HBO Max.
As such, viewers expecting a sedate costume drama might be shocked by the nadir of Mildred and her daughter Veda’s relationship, even though Winslet’s gripping performance will leave the audience wishing for an increasingly unlikely happy ending. Unlike some period dramas,Mildred Piercedoesn’t descend into mawkish sentimentality or moralizing.
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Instead, Haynes’ cold, austere drama brings Cain’s dark novel to life onscreen without stripping Mildred of her complexity or nuance.Winslet’s heroine is imperfect, and her story is profoundly tragic, but even the most hard-hearted viewer would have to agree with Stephen King’s recommendation by the end.
Mildred Pierce
Cast
Mildred Pierce is an HBO miniseries adaptation centered on a determined mother during the Great Depression. Facing separation from her husband, she opens her own restaurant while striving for the approval and love of her difficult daughter, all against the backdrop of her romantic involvement with a new suitor.
