Watch the new Pet Sematary trailer side by side with the original film

Now that Paramount has released the first trailer for Pet Sematary, comparisons to the original have already begun. How much can we take from this first look?

Back in 1989, Mary Lambert gave us the first cinematic adaptation of Stephen King’s novel Pet Sematary with a script written by King himself. The film was not well received by critics (are we surprised? Not really) but it won a place in the hearts of King’s fans — and if we’re being honest, that’s what matters most. Pet Sematary is considered one of the best adaptations of King’s work, so naturally, fans have a few concerns when it comes to the remake.

It was announced in December of last year that a Pet Sematary remake was in the works, with a script by Jeff Buhler (also in charge of the script for Grudge), and Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer on board to direct. After rounding up the cast with Jason Clarke playing Louis Creed, Amy Seimetz as Rachel Creed, John Lithgow as Jud Crandall and Obssa Ahmed as Victor Pascow, principal photography began in June of this year and wrapped earlier this month (yes, this month!), with the first trailer debuting last week.

The trailer doesn’t give much away (if there can be such a thing with a well-known story as is Pet Sematary), focusing instead on building suspense with fast cuts and drums playing over it. And, of course, comparisons with the original have already begun, and to make it easier, YouTube user Matt Skuta uploaded a side-by-side comparison of the new Pet Sematary trailer and Lambert’s film.

Aside from the “was a remake really necessary” comments, various viewers have complained over the possible jump scares (seen in the trailer with the truck), the dark tone (in terms of cinematography), and the kids with animal masks in a sort of ritual procession. You can take a look at the side-by-side comparison below:

The video also serves to identify some blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments from the trailer that can easily slip (unless you have rewatched it multiple times), such as a quick look at Zelda, Rachel’s sister, seen spinning/dancing and also possibly rocking back and forth on the sofa, although Skuta used the flashback scene with Crandall’s mother for that bit.

Directors Kölsch and Widmyer have previously stated they are aiming for a much darker take on the story, with Buhler saying they are “on track to make one of the scariest Stephen King adaptations ever”, which it absolutely has the potential to be. There’s only much we can take from a trailer, and for now it’s too early to judge whether it will be scary, a good adaptation, better than the original, etc.

Looking forward to the new Pet Sematary? Hoping the film lives up the original classic? Let the rest of the undead know what you think in the comment section below.