Non Spoiler Synopsis:
Louis and his family move to a rural area when his son is tragically killed. Louis, grief-stricken, buries his son in the pet Sematary. His son comes back and is not the same.
“Sometimes, dead is better.”
Where to watch: Max, Prime
Content warning: blood, pet death, violent child death
Ratings (out of 5)
Jump scares: 👻
Blood:🩸🩸
Psychological & Suspense: 💀💀
Grief: 💧💧💧💧💧
Overall😱😱😱
Worth the Watch?
It is undoubtedly worth the watch; this movie delivers a powerful statement about grief and how we navigate its depths. 'Pet Sematary' is an adaptation of Stephen King's novel, directed by Mary Lambert and initially released in 1989. In 2019, a remake surfaced, taking a different path from the original, particularly which child dies. The remake was written by the Stephen King, Jeff Bulher, and Matt Greenberg and brought to life by directors Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer.
'Pet Sematary' delves into various facets of loss, encompassing relocation, the challenges of growing up with a sick family member, and the death of loved ones, whether they be pets or family members. At its core, 'Pet Sematary' is a film about grief. While it may be a tough watch for some, it fearlessly explores the aftermath of profound loss and the overwhelming emotions that accompany grief. The narrative delves into the yearning for our departed loved ones and the risks we're willing to take to reunite with them
The movie has music by the Ramones, which is a definite plus for me and talk about a song that gets stuck in your head.
Spoilers ahead-read with caution
In both films, the ritual of burial and mourning is portrayed. In the remake, they show children in masks, in a procession with a drummer, taking their beloved deceased pet to the pet sematary. I mention this because I find it a beautiful display of honoring grief through community and ritual. In the original, it is discussed that the pet cemetery is a place for children to normalize their grief and partake in ritual that honors life, death, and grief. Ritual and community can be vital in our grief journey.
It is the lands beyond the Pet Sematary that are cursed and will bring back your dead, just not the same. Louis, a doctor who has just moved his family to a rural area for a job, becomes friends with the neighbor across the street, Jud. The road that they live off has high semi-truck traffic that often barrels down the road. The first victim of the semi-truck traffic is Louis’ daughter Ellie’s cat Church. Louis, not ready for Ellie to experience grief and loss, takes Church, the cat, to the lands beyond the pet sematary. Church comes back, but it is just not the same; he is mean.
During a picnic, Louis’ son Gage runs off into the road and is struck and killed by a semi. As a parent, I found this part incredibly difficult to watch. After Gage’s funeral, Louis’ wife, Rachel, takes their daughter Ellie to visit her parents. While at her parents’ house, Louis takes Gage to the lands beyond the pet sematary and buries Gage. In the remake, Ellie dies and comes back. And thus, Gage’s killing spree begins. Rachel and Ellie are visited by a patient who Louis tried to save and ultimately died. The young man, Victor Pascow, tries to warn both Rachel and Ellie. It is Ellie who is most susceptible to his visits. Rachel finally receives the messages from Pascow and returns home. Louis defeats Gage after finding Rachel dead. Still grief-sick, he takes her to lands beyond the pet sematary.
It is fascinating to watch how each character deals with grief in Pet Sematary. Rachel has a fear of death, growing up with a sick sister who died in the back bedroom. Rachel has since carried guilt as her death provided Rachel relief. This is an aspect of death and dying we often do not talk about with the bereaved; it is normal to feel relief when an ill loved one dies. Rachel also demonstrates the complexities of grief relating to the complexities of relationships. Rachel was afraid of her sister, further impacting Rachel’s grief. Rachel also blamed herself for her sister’s death, as her parents left her alone with her.
Louis is more open, even talking to Ellie about different cultural beliefs about death. It is interesting that he is more open to discussing death until he is directly impacted by death. This is normal. Louis demonstrates how powerless we can feel in death. His loss is also traumatic, witnessing the death of his son, further adding to his feelings of powerlessness.
The characters' varied responses to grief offer poignant insights into the human experience. Ultimately, "Pet Sematary" serves as a chilling exploration of the complexities of grief and the lengths individuals will go to in their struggle against mortality. Through its portrayal of ritual, community, and the relentless grip of grief, the film prompts viewers to contemplate the fragile boundary between life and death and the consequences of attempting to defy it.
**end spoilers**
Dive deeper
Ritual is a powerful tool in grief, whether it’s a funeral, a wake, a celebration of life, a shiva, or a shared meal. Ritual allows us to gain closure and support.
Rituals do not have to stop at the time of death. Many cultures have days that celebrate
their dead, such as Dias de los Muertos in Mexico.
Part of our grief journal is making meaning of our loss and continuing the relationship with the deceased.
Take some time to write in your journal about the rituals you have participated in to honor and connect with your deceased loved ones.
Some ways to connect with your deceased and continue the relationship are:
Celebrate their birthday with their favorite foods, their favorite restaurant
Visit their favorite places
Tell stories about them
Have their picture in a common space in the home
Celebrate holidays for the deceased, All Souls Day, Dias de los Muertos
Have a picnic at their grave (did you know this was common practice during Victorian times)
Listen to their favorite music
Watch their favorite shows and movies
Read their favorite books and stories
Write them letters
Create a scrapbook or digital memorial
Be creative and do what speaks to you
Since Pet Sematary starts with pet loss, if you are experiencing pet loss, this section may support you.
You are grieving, and your grief is valid. You have experienced a profound love, and you are allowed to mourn. This storm won’t last forever, it will pass, we don’t always know how long. You will love and be loved again!
To honor your pet:
Create a pet shrine, altar, or memorial
This can be digital, physical, or both. This is a space to honor your love. You can fill this space with pictures, collars, dishes, favorite toys, blankets, or whatever speaks to you.
Create a pet journal, scrapbook, or album
This, too, can be digital, physical, or both. Document your relationship with your pet by writing letters or journaling to your pet.
Write a letter to your beloved and put it in a helium balloon.
If your beloved is cremated, you can turn the ashes into jewelry, glass beads, suncatchers, and more. You can have a windchime made in honor of your loved one. You can even name a star after them.
If you are able (and you can check with your vet), have paw and nose prints made. You can even have these cast into foam or clay.
Other people have commemorated their beloved pets: t-shirts, taxidermy, gardens, and tattoos.
Have a ceremony and/or a celebration of life.
Want more?
If you like Pet Sematary, there is Pet Sematary 2 and Pet Sematary Bloodlines
Check out my podcast The Femme Fatalities Pet Sematary episode
New movie review on Wednesdays
What do you think about Pet Sematary? How have you continued relationships with your deceased loved ones?
If there is a movie you’d love to discuss or want me to review, please comment.