Ahead of its world premiere, the teaser trailer for the upcoming horror short film “One for the Road” has been released. This film is based on Stephen King’s short story of the same name, which was originally published in 1978 as part of his “Night Shift” novella.
The short film’s synopsis reads: “When a stranger ambles into a roadside diner in the dead of night, two friendly Samaritans prove no good deed goes unpunished. ‘One for the Road’ is the story of two movers who reluctantly help a waitress deal with a stranger in the dead of night. The tropes are well known: a diner, a stranger looking for help, a stranded car in the desert. But the story is only about these tropes on the surface — it’s really a reflection of one of the biggest moral dilemmas of our time: Should we take the risk of helping someone we don’t know, or is it better to mind our own business?”
The teaser trailer for “One for the Road” is now available for viewing, offering a glimpse into the eerie atmosphere and suspenseful narrative that fans of Stephen King have come to expect.
“One for the Road” will have its world premiere on Sunday, July 21, at the LA Shorts Film Festival, the longest-running short film festival in Los Angeles. The film is directed by Daniel Carsenty and features a screenplay written by Corey Slater. The cast includes Alexander Flores, Katie Adler, Travis Hammer, Lisa Goodman, Elester Latham, and Richard Clarke Larson.
Stephen King’s “Night Shift” is his first collection of short stories, showcasing the breadth of his dark imagination. The collection includes tales of mutated rats (“Graveyard Shift”), a cataclysmic virus (“Night Surf,” the basis for “The Stand”), a possessed lawnmower (“The Lawnmower Man”), unsettling children (“Children of the Corn”), a smoker’s desperate measures (“Quitters, Inc.”), and a reclusive alcoholic’s gruesome transformation (“Gray Matter”), among others. This anthology is a testament to King’s prowess in the horror genre.
The anticipation for “One for the Road” is part of a larger trend of Stephen King’s works being adapted for the screen. Over the years, King’s stories have been a rich source of material for filmmakers, resulting in numerous movies and TV series that have captivated audiences worldwide.
In recent years, several of King’s works have been adapted into successful films and series. “IT” was a major hit, with its first part released in 2017 and the second part following in 2019. “Gerald’s Game,” directed by Mike Flanagan, was another successful adaptation, and Flanagan is also set to adapt “Doctor Sleep,” the sequel to “The Shining.”
“Mr. Mercedes,” based on King’s novel of the same name, has also been well-received, with its first season airing in 2017 and a second season following in 2019. Additionally, Paramount has picked up the rights for a re-adaptation of “Pet Sematary,” slated for release in April 2019.
Amazon has also entered the fray, purchasing the rights to “The Dark Tower” series with plans for a complete reboot. This is welcome news for fans, especially after the 2017 film adaptation failed to meet expectations. The new series is rumored to be helmed by “Walking Dead” executive producer Glen Mazzara and promises to be a faithful adaptation of King’s magnum opus.
“The Dark Tower” series tells the tale of Roland Deschain, the last Gunslinger, on his quest to reach the Dark Tower, a structure that stands at the center of the world and holds the key to the universe’s fate. Along the way, Roland encounters various allies and enemies, including the enigmatic Man in Black and the sinister Crimson King. The series is a blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and western genres, making it one of King’s most ambitious and beloved works.
In addition to these high-profile adaptations, King’s narrative poem “The Bone Church” has been picked up by Cedar Park Entertainment for a TV series adaptation. The poem, which tells the story of a doomed expedition into the jungle, is another example of King’s ability to craft chilling and compelling narratives in various formats.
With so many of King’s works being adapted for the screen, fans have much to look forward to in the coming years. Each new adaptation brings a fresh take on King’s stories, introducing them to new audiences while satisfying long-time fans.
As we await the premiere of “One for the Road” and other upcoming adaptations, it’s clear that Stephen King’s influence on the horror genre remains as strong as ever. His stories continue to captivate and terrify, proving that his imagination knows no bounds.
Source: LA Shorts Film Festival, Stephen King Official Website
