Watch 'Salem's Lot

In this adaptation of Stephen King's novel of the same name, "Salem's Lot" takes place in a small town in Maine where a vampire has come to prey on its citizens. The story follows author Ben Mears (Rob Lowe) as he returns to his hometown to write a book, but soon discovers that a group of otherworldly beings has taken up residence in the town. Mears soon teams up with teacher Matt Burke (Andre Braugher) and local priest Father Callahan (Donald Sutherland) to stop the vampire and save the town from its sinister grip.

As Mears begins to investigate, he meets Susan Norton (Samantha Mathis), an artist who is also new to the town. While there is an instant attraction between them, their budding romance takes a backseat to their investigations. Together, they begin to uncover the dark secrets of the town and the vampire who resides there, Barlow.

The movie's main strength lies in its expertly crafted atmosphere. From the start, the town is shrouded in a thick layer of mystery, with the audience unsure of what secrets it holds. The movie's settings, including the creepy mansion that Barlow inhabits, add to the eerie feeling. Meanwhile, the sound design creates a sense of dread as the audience hears the whispers and creaks of the vampire's presence. Additionally, the use of lighting and shadow, particularly in scenes with Barlow, add to the tense atmosphere.

Lowe's portrayal of Mears is a highlight of the film. He brings a level of charm and likability to the role, making it easy for the audience to root for him. Braugher's Matt Burke is also a standout, his steady demeanor providing a solid grounding for the movie's chaotic events. Meanwhile, Sutherland's portrayal of Father Callahan brings a welcome sense of gravitas to the proceedings. Norton's character, while not as well-developed as the others, still manages to hold her own as a strong, independent woman.

The film's pacing is a bit uneven at times, with a slow buildup in the first half of the movie that culminates in a thrilling second half. However, the slow pace does allow for character development, and the payoff in the second half is well worth the wait. Additionally, while the special effects may not hold up as well as they did in the early 2000s, they still effectively create a sense of horror and unease.

In conclusion, "Salem's Lot" is a well-crafted horror movie that expertly builds an atmosphere of dread. With strong performances from its cast, a haunting score, and unsettling visuals, it's a must-watch for fans of Stephen King's work and horror in general.

'Salem's Lot is a 2004 horror movie with a runtime of 3 hours and 1 minute. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.