Stephen King Adaptations Aren't All Horrors – Watch This Impeccable Sci-Fi Historical Drama
Steeped in the atmosphere of late-1950s America, the show captures the local color and the mood of the era.
When it comes to adaptations of Stephen King's work, images of sewer-dwelling clowns, possessed cars, and other supernatural horrors often come to mind. However, the King of Horror has written stories of a completely different kind.
11.22.63 is a miniseries that proves King can write more than just horror. Produced with J.J. Abrams's involvement, this drama focuses on love, time, and the consequences of our choices rather than on monsters or paranormal phenomena.
What Is '11.22.63' About?
Jake, an English teacher, gets the chance to change the past. He travels back to 1960 and starts following Lee Harvey Oswald. His goal is to prevent the assassination of President Kennedy and change the world for the better.
However, altering the past is no easy task – time itself tries to push out the uninvited guest by throwing obstacles in his path. On the eve of the tragedy, Jake finds himself back at square one. Only his love for the charming Sadie enables him to see his mission through to the end.
But what kind of world emerges after the president is saved?
'11.22.63' Is a Touching Love Story in the Guise of a Political Thriller
11.22.63 is a rare Stephen King love story that is truly heartbreaking. James Franco and Sarah Gadon have incredible chemistry, and their relationship forms the heart of the series.
The interplay between literature and cinema is built on mutual respect: King oversaw the project, but didn't write the screenplay himself – a decision that benefited the show. Although the show focuses less on the devil in the details, the flaws of American society are exposed here and there.
The finale, which can move even the most hardened viewer, is still one of the most touching conclusions in TV history. 11.22.63 is a saga of impossible love that prompts reflection on the nature of happiness and the price of our choices.
'11.22.63' Brilliantly Captures the Era's Atmosphere
11.22.63's creators successfully captured the atmosphere and mood of America in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Although the pacing of the narrative drags at times, the final twist is unlikely to disappoint.
The series is like a comprehensive encyclopedia of theories and myths about the US – similar to Stranger Things, but without the teenage naivete and heavy reliance on intertextuality.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of '11.22.63'?
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11.22.63 has 83% from critics and 87% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the series has a score of 8.0/10.
Where to Watch '11.22.63'?
11.22.63 is available to stream on Netflix.
