Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Sleepwalkers

Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind dives into Stephen King’s 1992 cult horror film Sleepwalkers, a bizarre and tonally eclectic masterpiece born from King’s first original screenplay. Hosts Rob Lamb and Joe McCormick explore the film’s wild blend of supernatural cat-vampires, familial incest, surreal humor, and practical effects, celebrating its intentional tonal whiplash as a core part of its charm. The episode traces the film’s creation through a fax-based collaboration between King and director Mick Garris, highlights the standout performances of Brian Krause and Alice Krieger as the monstrous Brady family, and spotlights the feline star Sparks as Clovis—the ancient, sentient guardian who becomes the true hero. Key moments like Charles’s confession in class, the teacher’s murder, and the escalating cat vs. sleepwalker war are unpacked, culminating in a chaotic, over-the-top climax featuring Mary’s monstrous transformation, telekinetic attacks, and a massive feline uprising. The hosts emphasize how the film’s absurdity, self-awareness, and commitment to weirdness—like cats being the sleepwalkers’ only weakness—make it a unique and unforgettable entry in King’s cinematic universe.