'Terrifying' Netflix little-known Stephen King horror 'really gets under viewers' skin'

Edinburgh Live

06-05-2025

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The 2017 Netflix film 1922, directed by Zak Hilditch, is a mind-bending horror drama that has garnered a staggering 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Based on Stephen King's 2010 novella of the same name, the movie stars Thomas Jane as Wilfred "Wilf" James, a proud farmer living in rural Nebraska in 1922 with his wife Arlette and their 14 year old son Henry. When Arlette reveals plans to sell the farm and move to Omaha, Wilf manipulates Henry into helping him murder his mother, exploiting the teenager's romance with Shannon Cotterie, which Arlette strongly disapproves of.
As the story unfolds, Wilf's actions lead to a downward spiral of guilt, paranoia, and madness, ultimately culminating in the family's devastating downfall. Thomas Jane's chilling performance as the troubled Wilf earned him widespread critical acclaim.
Interestingly, the film's production team initially began principal photography in Vancouver but struggled to find a suitable farmhouse with a cornfield due to the timing of the harvest season. Despite this challenge, Hilditch successfully brought King's haunting tale to life, weaving a dark and unsettling narrative that explores the darkest corners of the human psyche.
The corn seen in the film ultimately had to be created with a mix of Chinese corn props, computer graphics (CG), and scenes shot in Boort, Australia. Eventually, they anchored down in Langley city for a farmhouse scene and wrapped up the movie's production in Boort, reports Surrey Live.
Critics warmly greeted the slow-burning intensity of 1922 at its release, noting its creeping eeriness.
One critic said: "There's an unshakable menace that lingers, a tale of guilt and regret that burrows its way under the skin."
Meanwhile, another observer added: "1922 is a movie that gets under your skin. It maintains a menacing vibe from start to finish without ever relying on overused gimmicks or formulas."
(Image: Channel 4)
The acting was also lauded, with one review saying: "The performances are great from top-to-bottom...this was a movie that probably should have been on the big screen."
Compliments continued as another critic said: "1922 is an effective, chilling bit of work that boasts a revelatory lead performance and a compelling, gradual erosion of a man's psyche."
From the audience perspective, 1922 had a more varied reception, enthralling some while leaving others less enthused.
An impressed viewer said: "I love this movie, it's so entertaining to me. The scenery is probably my favourite part and the story in general, and just the way it was filmed and the song placement and choice is just amazing."
One less impressed viewer added: "Honestly, this movie is bad. It's not on the cinematic side as much as the storyline. It was so slow of a movie I couldn't keep watching. I have been watching it for 2 days and kept falling asleep. It's very forgettable. After they killed his wife there was no more thrill to the story, nothing to make me remember anything."
But others loved the film, saying: "This movie is great, I think the problem people have with it is that it's not for them. People use movies to escape life, this is not what this movie is. It is life, and it has no mercy. One of the best movies I've seen, amazingly done."
While one reviewer described the film as "a disturbing story of betrayal, love, and murder" that provides "an intense viewing from start to finish", another offered their view listing it as an "amazing psychological horror" featuring "perfect pacing" and a "great and accurate atmosphere".
Another meticulous critique noted: "Each moment within this film is employed judiciously. Even during quieter scenes, the camera lingers, skilfully eliciting the very emotions coursing through the characters. Each frame possesses the potential to be a captivating photograph, exuding sheer beauty. The ensemble cast delivers an astounding performance, with Thomas Jane standing out in particular. His portrayal breathes life into Wilfred's emotions, resonating deeply within me. Undoubtedly, this ranks among my all-time favourite horror films."
1922 is streaming on Netflix now.