Misery

Rob Reiner's 1990 film follows a nurse who takes an injured writer into her home. She is a devoted reader of his books. Things change when he kills off the character in the new one. The film takes place almost entirely in one house; the narrative draws its tension from immobility and keeps closing off the possibility of escape. It is adapted from a novel by Stephen King. Kathy Bates won the Academy Award for actress. One scene is very hard and is the film's best known section. Who it's for: those who like psychological thrillers. Who it's not for: viewers troubled by scenes of bodily harm; that scene is held at length.