My favourite Stephen King film is hitting Netflix this weekend and it is not The Shining

When individuals discuss the most effective movies impressed by Stephen King novels, The Shining is nearly instantly introduced up. And whereas that movie, directed by Stanley Kubrick and staring Jack Nicholson, is actually an iconic horror movie, it takes a a lot totally different method to the supply materials, and in consequence, exists (in my thoughts, a minimum of) fairly far aside aside from the novel that impressed it.

And whereas there have been different Stephen King variations which have a extra devoted tackle his work (Carrie and The Lifetime of Chuck instantly spring to thoughts), far and away, my absolute favourite Stephen King adaptation is 1990’s Distress. And if you have not been in a position to test this movie out but, it will be available on Netflix this weekend, beginning March 1.

What’s Distress about?

When fandom goes too far

Directed by Rob Reiner and starring Kathy Bates and James Caan, Distress follows the story of acclaimed novelist Paul Sheldon who writes regency romance books that includes a personality named Distress. Although the books are profitable, Sheldon plans to finish the sequence so he can write one thing else. Nevertheless, on his option to delivering his remaining manuscript to his writer, he finds himself caught in a blizzard and crashes his automotive. He’s rescued from the wreckage by a nurse named Annie Wilkes, who tells him that she’s going to maintain him till the climate clears.

Nevertheless, when Wilkes finds (and reads) his remaining manuscript, she turns into enraged on the ending, burning it and insisting that he re-write the e-book to her liking, or endure some actually dire penalties.

The movie could also be over 35 years outdated, however I discover the way in which it offers with fashionable points like fandom, parasocial relationships, and obsessive habits to be very well timed for 2026. The movie additionally options actually gorgeous performances from James Caan and Kathy Bates, the latter of whom gained an Academy Award for her efficiency.

The place else are you able to stream Distress?

You should buy or hire the movie within the normal locations

If you do not have a Netflix account however nonetheless wish to take a look at this iconic movie, it’s obtainable to buy or hire from Apple TV, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video Google Play, and Fandango at Dwelling. It isn’t obtainable on every other streaming service at no cost proper now as of March 2026.