Stephen Kingis one of the most renowned and prolific horror writers of the 21st century, and fans of his particular and unique brand of horror will want to pay close attention to one recent movie on Netflix. While Netflix is full of underrated movies to peruse, this one stands out for its resonance withThe Stand. Released originally in 1978,The Standis far from one ofStephen King’s best-known works, but its post-apocalyptic dark fantasy sets it apart as a uniquely dark and strangely relatable story for dark times.

Stephen King’s work has seen huge popularity in recent years, with TV and movie adaptations cropping up all the time.Movie adaptations of Stephen King bookshave been almost as periodic as the books themselves, lending a huge influence to the horror genre in Hollywood. Filmmakers and actors have taken great inspiration from the far-reaching impact of King’s work, resulting in diverse new horror movies from directors like Ari Aster and M. Night Shyamalan. But readers ofThe Standin particular may notice its influence inNew Life.

The Stand CBS miniseries Stephen King

2023’s New Life & Stephen King’s The Stand Share A Lot Of Similarities

Science Fiction & Horror Combine In New Life

With at least one Stephen King adaptation getting released every year since 1980, there are ample horror flicks that imitate them in some regard.New Lifewas released in 2023 and follows the lives of two women through a virus thriller made to court internal anxieties after COVID-19.The movie is relevant to current times in many waysand recalls one ofStephen King’s longest books,The Stand. BothThe StandandNew Lifequestion what life might look like if disease truly did sweep the world, makingNew Lifea winner for fans ofThe Stand.

New Life Is An Underrated & Terrifying Award Winner

New Life Is An Exemplary Directorial Debut

Writer and director John Rosman’s first movie wasNew Life, and it is an absolute dream as far as directorial debuts go. However, it is more of a nightmare to experience as a viewer, with Elsa Gray chasing Jessica Murdock arduously across the U.S.A.Stephen King’sThe Standhas a controversial ending, with a sudden and abrupt occurrence neutralizing the book’s central conflict, and shares a potential dystopian viewpoint withNew Life, butNew Lifemay be even more of a satisfying thriller thanThe Stand, with a perfectly ambiguous ending.

Every Upcoming Stephen King Book Release

Stephen King has plenty of adaptations in the works, but it all begins and ends with his books, and he has exciting upcoming projects on that front.

The latest adaptation of Stephen King’sThe Standwas disappointing, despite the book being easily one of King’s most epic and impressive works.The Standminiseries wasn’t quite gruesome or shocking enough to draw in audiences of movies likeIT, while its confusing timeline made it hard for even King fans to understand. ButNew Lifedraws on King’s themes and focuses them into a tightly-packed feature-length movie with all the drama missing from the miniseries. Readers ofStephen Kingwill love the movie and its examination of a post-COVID world.

The covers of Never Flinch, The End of the World As We Know It, and The Talisman

New Life

Cast

New Life is a 2023 film that delves into the journey of a woman facing life-altering events and decisions. The narrative explores themes of identity and resilience as the protagonist navigates through personal and professional challenges, striving to build and define her new reality amidst shifting circumstances.

New Life (2024) - Poster