The film must also function as a successful adaptation of an acclaimed novel that works in its own right.
That’s a lot of pressure, so how does Doctor Sleep fare?
Director Mike Flanagan’s film has to work as a sequel to both a beloved book and a classic movie, which is a unique challenge given the divergences of those two.
Rarely is a film saddled with the weight of expectation and legacy in quite the way that Doctor Sleep is, as it has to operate and succeed on a number of levels.