After a terrifying experience, Lisey opens up the gates of her memory to find answers in Scott’s world of Boo’ya Moon.

As we spiral towards the mid-point (already?) of this adaptation of the Stephen King adaptation, things get decidedly dark. Very dark. Stalker Jim Dooley (a monotone Dane DeHaan) puts a plastic bag over Lisey’s head, causing her to black out. It’s a terrifying moment, as the camera closes in on Julianne Moore’s face, desperate for a breath. When she recovers, Jimmy tortures her through head butts, punches and slashes from a pizza cutter.

While we are mercifully spared some of the violence, its aftermath is horrific, Moore’s face a bloody, puffy mess. Throughout, Jimmy plays records and provides a dull, nonsensical commentary. It’s only when he departs, promising to return, that we get any relief, and Lisey desperately searches her memories of the Booya Moon fantasy world for clues about how to protect herself. We revisit her time with husband Scott (Clive Owen), are reminded of the healing powers of the water, and discover more about the Long Boy beast that stalks the dream world.

Verdict: Very much Moore’s hour, and hopefully this marks the point where Lisey begins to fight back. It’s a tough watch, but the three female leads are captivating. 7/10

Nick Joy