When it comes toStephen King’s horror books, there’s usually no need to read the source material before seeing the adaptation. In many cases, people will encounterfilms likeThe ShiningorItlong before they get the chance to pick up their book counterparts. And seeing them first doesn’t take away from the magic of reading King’s stories. In many cases, there are differences that make it well worth picking up both. And King’s books tend to land, whether you’ve seen the adaptation or not, as they’re masterfully crafted.
However,there is one King book that viewersshouldpick up before seeing the movie. While the source material is strong on its own, this is the one case where the film adaptation actually turns out to be an improvement on it — especially when it comes to the ending. Those who experience the movie’s ending first might find themselves disappointed if they dig into the book after. Although the novel’s conclusion is still a good one, the film’s is just that much better. And it may set too-high expectations for those who read King’s original story second.
Seeing The 2007 Film First Might Set Readers Up For Disappointment
The Mistis one of King’s best novellas, and it’s certainly among the strongest additions to his1985 story collection,Skeleton Crew.Following David Drayton as he finds himself stranded in a grocery store while a mist full of deadly creatures descends on his Maine town,The Misthas a chilling premise that delivers on the suspense all the way through. David’s situation is made worse by being separated from his wife, having to protect his young son, and grappling with the people increasingly at odds within the store.
The Mist’s ending has become iconicbecauseof its changes, which make the story far more devastating.
King handles all this masterfully, makingThe Mista must-read story from the author’s backlog. However,you’ll want to pick it up before Frank Darabont’s 2007 film adaptation, as the movie captures all the strengths of King’s original — but it has a better ending. While diverging from the source material is typically a no-no for such adaptations, it works incredibly well for the 2007 film.The Mist’s endinghas become iconicbecauseof its changes, which make the story far more devastating.
And because the movie’s conclusion is more memorable and tragic than the book’s, those who see the film first may go into King’s story expecting something similar. Although King’s ending is satisfactory on its own, the film could set them up for disappointment.
Why The Mist’s Movie Ending Is Better Than The Book’s
It’s Even More Horrifying & Pays Off The Rest Of The Story Better
The ending ofThe Mistis the biggest difference between the book and the movie, and the latter opts for a far more tragic fate for David, Billy, and their allies. In both iterations of the story, the group is forced to leave the safety of the grocery store, venturing out into the deadly mist.King’s novella leaves the fates of the characters open-ended, however, concluding with David hearing a radio communication about potential safety in Hartford. We don’t see the group reach this safe haven, but they’re also still alive when the source material comes to a close.
The Mistmovie gives David’s group a grimmer send-off, having them drive through the mist until their vehicle is on empty. Once they’re stuck with nowhere else to go, the group agrees that there’s only one way out of the situation: to end their lives. David kills Billy and the rest of the group, but the gun is empty when he turns it on himself. And the military shows up, with the mist clearing, moments later, forcing David to survive with what he has done.
This is far more horrifying than King’s original ending, and it has a greater emotional impact.
This is far more horrifying than King’s original ending, and it has a greater emotional impact. It also offers closure that isn’t present inThe Mistnovella. While the ambiguous ending may be favored by those looking for something a bit less depressing, this one suits the tone of the story.It’s also perfectly set up by Mrs. Carmody’s insistence that a sacrifice is required, bringing a major element of King’s narrative to a head in a twisted way.
Even Stephen King Agrees That The Mist Adaptation Has A Great Ending
The Author Liked The Changes To The Original Story
It’s a testament to how greatThe Mistmovie’s ending is thatKing himself appreciated the changes. Sometimes, book-to-screen differences can leave authors unhappy with adaptations of their work. But King had great things to say about this version of his novella (viaCinemaBlend), admitting that he was on board with it:
When Frank said that he wanted to do the ending that he was going to do, I was totally down with that. I thought that was terrific. And it was so anti-Hollywood – anti-everything, really! It was nihilistic. I liked that. So I said you go ahead and do it."
It’s great that both versions ofThe Mistexist, and the 2007 film’s ending has become widely acclaimed since its debut. The novella is still just as worthwhile, but given the high expectations the movie sets, those hoping to experience both should reverse the typical order of reading and viewing.
