The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Film›Doctor Sleep (2019 film)
Entertainment • Film

Doctor Sleep (2019 film)

Doctor Sleep is a 2019 American supernatural horror film written, directed, and edited by Mike Flanagan.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Doctor Sleep is a 2019 American supernatural horror film written, directed, and edited by Mike Flanagan. It adapts Stephen King’s 2013 novel *Doctor Sleep* and serves as a sequel to *The Shining* (1980), following adult Dan Torrance as he confronts trauma and protects a young girl with similar psychic abilities.

Plot and premise

The film continues the story of Dan Torrance years after the events of *The Shining*. Dan struggles with trauma and alcoholism before becoming involved with Abra Stone, whose powerful psychic abilities draw the attention of a dangerous cult.

Development and adaptation

*Doctor Sleep* adapts Stephen King’s 2013 sequel novel and also incorporates elements connected to Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 film version of *The Shining*. Review coverage describes the film as blending King’s and Kubrick’s interpretations.

Release

The film was released by Warner Bros. in late 2019, with U.S. theatrical release on November 8, 2019. Some sources also note earlier international releases in late October 2019.

Reception

Contemporary reviews described the film as an ambitious horror sequel that combines supernatural elements, psychological trauma, and direct connections to *The Shining*.

Key facts

  • The film is a sequel to *The Shining* and is based on Stephen King’s 2013 novel of the same name.
  • Mike Flanagan wrote, directed, and edited the film.
  • Ewan McGregor stars as Dan Torrance, the adult version of Danny Torrance.
  • The story follows Dan as he helps protect Abra Stone, a girl with psychic abilities known as the “shine.”
  • It was released in U.S. theaters on November 8, 2019.
🍁
Canadian context

The film was released in Canada in 2019, alongside its North American rollout, and is widely available through Canadian streaming and home-entertainment platforms.[9][10]

Frequently asked questions

What is Doctor Sleep?
Doctor Sleep is a 2019 American supernatural horror film that continues the story of Dan Torrance after *The Shining*.
Is Doctor Sleep based on a book?
Yes. It adapts Stephen King’s 2013 novel *Doctor Sleep*.
Who directed Doctor Sleep?
Mike Flanagan wrote, directed, and edited the film.
Who stars in Doctor Sleep?
The film stars Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Ferguson, and Kyliegh Curran.
When was Doctor Sleep released?
It was released in U.S. theaters on November 8, 2019.
Is Doctor Sleep a sequel to The Shining?
Yes. It is presented as a sequel to *The Shining* and follows the adult Dan Torrance.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Sleep_(2019_film)
    Supports: Basic identification, release year, director, cast, and adaptation/sequel relationship.
  2. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/doctor-sleep-movie-review-2019
    Supports: Critical description of the film’s connection to King’s and Kubrick’s versions of The Shining.
  3. AlloCiné — https://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=242734.html
    Supports: Original title, runtime, release timing, director, and cast.
  4. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/80233020
    Supports: Synopsis identifying the film as a sequel and naming principal cast.
  5. Movies Anywhere — https://moviesanywhere.com/movie/doctor-sleep-2019
    Supports: Synopsis, sequel framing, characters, and central conflict.
  6. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/doctor-sleep
    Supports: Release date, runtime, MPAA rating, cast, and plot summary.
  7. Wikipedia (Indonesian) — https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Sleep
    Supports: North American release date and Canada mention in release rollout.
  8. Stephen King Fandom — https://stephenking.fandom.com/wiki/Doctor_Sleep_(film)
    Supports: Production and release details, including U.S. release date.