Buzz
The latest trailer for Disney’s upcoming remake of The Little Mermaid has sparked intense reactions, particularly regarding Halle Bailey’s casting as Ariel, a role originally portrayed as white in the animated version. Critics argue that the character’s race is irrelevant to the story, as Ariel is a mythical figure whose appearance doesn’t impact the narrative. The trailer suggests a visually stunning adaptation, though Disney’s live-action remakes have had varying success. While it’s unlikely this version will surpass the original, the emotional reactions from young Black girls to the trailer highlight its cultural significance. This remake joins a long list of films and shows that have reimagined their source material, often improving upon it in meaningful ways.
Disney’s live-action remakes have been hit or miss, but this adaptation of The Little Mermaid holds promise. The original animated film remains a classic, but the new version introduces fresh perspectives and modern sensibilities. Viral videos of young fans’ reactions to the trailer underscore the importance of representation, making this remake a noteworthy addition to Disney’s catalog. While purists may cling to the original, there’s value in revisiting and reinterpreting beloved stories for new generations.
The Little Mermaid (1989)
Source: Hans Christian Andersen’s literary fairy tale “The Little Mermaid.”
Disney’s 1989 animated film The Little Mermaid took significant liberties with Andersen’s original story, transforming it into a more accessible and family-friendly narrative. Andersen’s tale, often interpreted as an allegory for unrequited love and longing, is far darker and more complex than Disney’s adaptation. The film reimagines the mermaid as Ariel, a spirited and ambitious character with clear goals, unlike the original protagonist, who is largely a victim of circumstance. Disney’s version also introduces memorable elements, such as the Jamaican crab Sebastian, adding humor and charm. While the film diverges from the source material, it succeeds in creating a timeless story that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Where to stream: Disney+
The Shining (1980)
Source: Stephen King’s novel The Shining.
Both the novel and the film adaptation of The Shining hold a special place in my heart, though they diverge significantly in tone and focus. While King’s book delves deeply into Jack Torrance’s internal struggles, drawing parallels to his own life, Kubrick’s film takes a more detached approach, portraying Jack as a man whose descent into madness is fueled by the Overlook Hotel’s malevolent influence. The movie’s unsettling atmosphere and iconic visuals make it a masterpiece of horror, even as it strays from the source material. King’s version is a psychological exploration of guilt and addiction, whereas Kubrick’s is a chilling study of isolation and unchecked malevolence.
Where to stream: HBO Max
Contact (1997)
Source: Carl Sagan’s novel Contact.
The film adaptation of Contact streamlines Carl Sagan’s expansive novel, focusing on Ellie Arroway’s journey as a scientist grappling with the intersection of faith and reason. While the book explores a broader ensemble of characters and their experiences, the movie hones in on Ellie’s personal and professional struggles, making her the emotional anchor of the story. Jodie Foster’s portrayal of Ellie brings depth and humanity to the role, emphasizing the film’s themes of curiosity and the search for truth. Both versions are compelling, but the film’s tighter narrative allows for a more intimate exploration of its central ideas.
Where to stream: Hoopla
Psycho (1960)
Source: Robert Bloch’s novel Psycho.
Robert Bloch, a criminally underappreciated author in the realms of crime and horror, crafted Psycho as a gripping exploration of a killer’s psyche, inspired loosely by the infamous Ed Gein. The novel delves deeply into its characters, offering a more introspective look than Hitchcock’s film adaptation. However, the movie stands out due to Hitchcock’s masterful direction and Anthony Perkins’ eerily captivating portrayal of Norman Bates. Unlike the book’s depiction of Norman as an unremarkable, middle-aged man, the film presents him as youthful, charming, and disarmingly ordinary, making his descent into madness all the more shocking.
Where to stream: Peacock
Little Women (2019)
Source: Louisa May Alcott’s novel Little Women.
As an admirer of Louisa May Alcott’s literary contributions and her unconventional life, I wouldn’t claim any film adaptation surpasses her novel. However, Greta Gerwig’s 2019 version introduces a subtle yet impactful twist by aligning Jo March’s story with Alcott’s own experiences as a writer. The film reflects on how Alcott altered her novel to meet market demands, imagining what might have been had she written without constraints. This meta-narrative layer adds a fresh, thought-provoking dimension to the beloved classic.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Remains of the Day (1993)
Source: Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel The Remains of the Day.
Similar to The Shining, The Remains of the Day shares its core plot with the novel but offers a distinct emotional experience. Ishiguro’s book focuses intensely on the emotionally repressed butler Stevens, while the film adaptation broadens its perspective to include other characters, maintaining a restrained yet poignant tone. The movie’s inclusion of more emotionally expressive characters amplifies the impact of its understated yet powerful moments, all while preserving the novel’s atmosphere of quiet despair.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Doctor Sleep (2019)
Source: Stephen King’s novel Doctor Sleep.
Returning to the world of The Shining, Doctor Sleep serves as Stephen King’s follow-up to one of his most iconic works. While the novel received a mixed reception, director Mike Flanagan skillfully adapts the material to create a film that bridges the gap between Kubrick’s cinematic vision and King’s original story. By preserving the Overlook Hotel from the first film (which was destroyed in the book), the movie offers a nostalgic return to the eerie setting. Flanagan amplifies the intensity with a darker, more visceral tone, increasing both the body count and the emotional stakes.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Battlestar: Galactica (2004 – 2009)
Source: The 1978 Battlestar Galactica TV series.
The original Battlestar Galactica series was groundbreaking for its time, blending Star Wars-inspired visuals with a rich, albeit underdeveloped, mythology. Despite its short run, it left a lasting impression. The 2000s reboot reimagined the story with a modern twist, delving into themes of survival, spirituality, and identity in a post-apocalyptic sci-fi setting. The reboot’s nuanced characters and thought-provoking narrative elevated it far beyond its predecessor, making it a standout in the genre.
Where to stream: Peacock
The Thing (1982)
Source: John W. Campbell’s novella “Who Goes There?” and the 1951 film The Thing from Another World.
John Campbell’s novella “Who Goes There?” is a gripping tale of Cold War-era suspicion, and Howard Hawks’ 1951 adaptation captures its essence with thrilling results. However, John Carpenter’s 1982 version surpasses both by reimagining the story as a harrowing exploration of trust and paranoia in the face of an existential threat. Carpenter’s film also stands out for its groundbreaking practical effects, which bring the alien menace to life in a way that aligns more closely with Campbell’s original vision. The result is a chilling masterpiece that remains a benchmark in horror and sci-fi cinema.
Where to stream: Peacock
The Fly (1986)
Source: George Langelaan’s short story “The Fly” and the 1958 film of the same name.
While the original short story and its 1958 film adaptation explored themes of transformation and identity, David Cronenberg’s 1986 remake elevated the concept to new heights. Cronenberg’s version delves into the visceral horror of bodily decay and mutation, making it a defining work of body horror. The film’s themes resonated deeply during the AIDS crisis, but its exploration of physical and psychological deterioration remains universally relevant, offering a haunting reflection on the fragility of the human condition.
Where to stream: HBO Max
Jaws (1975)
Source: Peter Benchley’s novel Jaws.
Peter Benchley’s novel Jaws is an entertaining thriller, but Steven Spielberg’s 1975 film adaptation transformed it into a cultural phenomenon. Spielberg’s direction elevated the material, infusing it with memorable characters, sharp dialogue, and a palpable sense of tension. The film’s success lies not just in its thrilling shark attacks but in its exploration of human fear, courage, and community. Spielberg’s ability to balance spectacle with substance made Jaws a timeless classic that redefined the summer blockbuster.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Hannibal (2013 – 2015)
Source: Thomas Harris’ novel Red Dragon.
Thomas Harris’ Red Dragon is a masterful blend of literary depth and gripping thriller, inspiring numerous adaptations, including sequels and TV series. Bryan Fuller’s Hannibal shifts the focus from the “Tooth Fairy” killer’s crimes to the intricate dynamic between profiler Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and the enigmatic Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen). The series enhances the story with stunning visuals and a serialized format that allows for a nuanced exploration of the characters, adding layers of complexity and subtext that enrich the original material.
Where to stream: Hulu, Plex
Westworld (2016 – )
Source: Michael Crichton’s film Westworld.
Michael Crichton’s 1973 Westworld is a darkly entertaining exploration of artificial intelligence and technological dehumanization, though it leaves many ideas underdeveloped. The HBO series, created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, expands on these themes, delving into the philosophical implications of AI and humanity’s relationship with technology. While the original film predicts technology’s destructive potential, the series contemplates the possibility of coexistence, albeit with a narrative complexity that occasionally becomes convoluted.
Where to stream: HBO Max
Jurassic Park (1993)
Source: Michael Crichton’s novel Jurassic Park.
Michael Crichton, a master of blending science and fiction, crafted Jurassic Park with a mix of thrilling action and detailed scientific explanations. While the novel excels in its own right, Steven Spielberg’s film adaptation elevated the story to iconic status. Spielberg streamlined the plot and simplified the technical jargon, creating a cinematic experience that brought the awe and terror of dinosaurs to life in a way that only film could achieve. The result is a timeless blockbuster that remains unmatched in its genre.
Where to stream: HBO Max, Peacock
City of God (2002)
Source: Paulo Lins’ novel City of God.
Paulo Lins’ 1997 novel is a harrowing depiction of life in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas, drawing from the author’s personal experiences with violence, poverty, and systemic corruption. The film adaptation retains the novel’s raw intensity while infusing it with a dynamic energy and a vivid portrayal of Rio’s natural beauty. By highlighting the stark contrast between the city’s postcard-perfect image and the grim realities of its slums, the movie amplifies the tragedy and injustice, making it a powerful and unforgettable cinematic experience.
Where to stream: Digital rental
