Even Mike Flanagan Thinks Stephen King’s ‘The Night Flier’ Is Underrated

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Stephen King’s novel Salem’s Lot is a well-known vampire story, and like many famous horror writers, King brought his own unique style to the genre, portraying a town overtaken by a terrifying vampire presence. The story has been adapted for film and television three times – twice as a miniseries and with a new movie released in 2024 – making it one of King’s most popular works. However, despite these adaptations, none of them fully capture the best live-action version of King’s vampire storytelling.

Stephen King’s 1988 short story presented a truly terrifying take on vampires, even more frightening than his novel Salem’s Lot. However, it was the 1997 film adaptation that really resonated with audiences, delivering a horrifying story and a visually striking, unforgettable vampire. Director Mike Flanagan, known for his successful King adaptations like Gerald’s Game, Doctor Sleep, and The Life of Chuck, considers The Night Flier to be “underappreciated,” and particularly praises its phenomenal ending.

‘The Night Flier’ Features an Unforgettable Vampire


New Line Cinema

In the story The Night Flier, Miguel Ferrer plays Richard Dees, a cynical tabloid journalist who lives by the rule: “Don’t believe what you write, and don’t write what you believe.” His editor presents him with a strange case: a pilot who lands at tiny, out-of-the-way airports at night and murders anyone present before disappearing. The story suggests a serial killer traveling by plane, and the aircraft is registered to a man named Dwight Renfield. Dees first dismisses the story, but when new victims surface and the possibility of a vampire emerges, he takes the assignment from a less experienced reporter, Katherine Blair.

Fortunately, Dees is a pilot and uses his own plane to travel between the cities where the murders happened. True to his tabloid style, he offers bribes for information, takes disrespectful photos of victims, and even disturbs a gravesite – all to get a sensational story. Despite these questionable methods, Dees uncovers some strange details, like the possibility that Renfield has psychic abilities and uses them on his victims. His investigation clearly bothers Renfield, who starts sending Dees threatening messages, urging him to stop. The pressure increases as the threats escalate, his editor demands the story be published, and sends Blair to assist him.

Mike Flanagan Is Right About ‘The Night Flier’s “Phenomenal” Ending


New Line Cinema

Dees remains a compelling villain, leading to a shocking and memorable finale packed with truly frightening scenes. The ending also offers a satisfying sense of justice, making it a darkly fun conclusion that King fans and horror lovers will enjoy. Director Mike Flanagan, known for his work in horror, recently shared with MovieWeb that he believes “The Night Flier,” starring Miguel Ferrer, is an underrated gem. He went on to discuss the film further.

I believe “The Night Flier” is a really strong episode that doesn’t get enough recognition. The story is excellent, the ending is fantastic, and Miguel Ferrer gives a superb performance. It deserves more appreciation.

Although the main character in The Night Flier isn’t very likable, the movie fits well within the dark and unsettling world of other Stephen King adaptations. It offers some vampire-related excitement, but it’s more of a detective story, resembling a thriller about a serial killer than a traditional monster movie. Despite this, The Night Flier never gained much recognition, even from King’s followers, and it remains a hidden gem nearly three decades later.

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2026-01-08 20:04