Doctor Sleep is the sequel to Stephen King’s cult novel The Shining. Here will be told about the already matured Danny. The protagonist and his mother were able to return alive from the Overlook Hotel. However, such an ordeal had a strong effect on Danny – he took to drink, like his father. Constant parties, nights spent in bed with strangers and a homeless life – this is how his life goes at the very beginning of the picture.
However, we learn that he was able to know such a thing as Radiance. The cook from the original film also possessed it and told young Danny about this power. Radiance is what gives its owner mental power. In general, he becomes something between a psychic and a magician. With the help of his advice, the protagonist cracks down on the ghosts that haunted him from the Overlook Hotel and encloses them in mental boxes inside himself.
But his dissolute life comes to an end – he moves and starts a new life. The hero gets a job as a doctor and, with the help of Radiance, helps people recover or retire. He uses power for good purposes – this is one of the messages of the film – caring for others and some kind of sacrifice in the name of good goals. This is where the main plot of the film begins.
Meaning of Doctor Sleep
With the help of The Shining, Danny learns that there are other owners of this gift. Abra (a teenage girl) becomes his new friend, they communicate with the power of thought. But then trouble comes – our heroes learn that there is a certain society of “people” led by Rose, who feed on the pain and fear of the owners of the Radiance, and in return receive eternal life. And now they are coming after them, because Abra is the greatest source of this power.
At first, Danny advises against the idea of fighting them, but later realizes that without him, Abra will die. They set up a trap where they kill most of the cult’s adherents. Only Rose remains – she is strong and full of rage, the heroes understand that they can’t cope with her so easily.
They go to the Overlook Hotel, because Rose does not know about the features of this place. Here they give her a fight and win. Danny releases all the ghosts he’s been keeping inside all these years. They devour Rose, but also take over Danny’s mind. The protagonist sacrifices himself for the life of young Abra.
The ghosts force him to kill the girl, but Danny doesn’t give up and forces her to leave him and run. The protagonist blows himself up along with the cursed hotel. It would seem that the ending is sad, because the character we love is dying, but the girl is alive! Danny’s original goal accomplished! He sacrificed himself for her all the time and now he was not afraid to give his life for her!
There are many different ideas in the film. Danny, despite the difficulties in life, remains the same kind and pure soul. He helps people, loses a lot because of his sacrifice, but this does not stop him.
It is also worth noting the friendship that arises between the main characters. Together they overcome any difficulties. This is what Stephen King wanted to show, because the motives of friendship constantly appear in his works.
In general, King creates a truly utopian world. Yes, we see death, blood, vice, but there are people like Danny and Abra in it. It’s not about their power of Radiance, it’s about the power of their soul. They are almost angels in the dark realm of vices, but believe me, they will light up the world. As long as there are such pure people on Earth, the world is not completely lost! It is the hope of saving the world from the “dirt” that pierces through the entire book by Stephen King (on which, in fact, the film was made).
Meaning of Doctor Sleep movie ending
At the end we see Abra talking to Danny. But he’s dead! Here a huge secret is revealed – after death there is life. Danny reveals that he and Abra’s father have found eternal rest. But the main character has something else to do in this world – he wants to teach Abra and set her on the right path.
The film raises the problems of friendship, sacrifice, responsibility and many, many others. The director of the film creates a concept that will be close and understandable to any viewer. Everyone sees the meaning of the film in their own way, but it is impossible to deny its positive influence, even despite the genre. We are not afraid, we are not afraid, we are overwhelmed with a fighting mood, and we are ready to give battle to our fears. Do not be afraid, because only we can defeat them, no one else can do it!
By the way, it is also worth noting the fact that Danny coped with his vice – alcoholism. Yes, it was hard, but he did it! This film shows that there are no indestructible walls – there is only unwillingness or weakness of character. You can always overpower yourself and prove to the world that you are above your needs!
The understanding of these simple truths is the ending of the film Doctor Sleep.
