Needful Things
Needful Things
A mysterious new shop opens in a small town which always seems to stock the deepest desires of each shopper, with a price far heavier than expected.
Matthias_812 reviewedSeptember 28, 2025
Stephen King really hits those small town dread based stories. I never felt the need to give Needful Things the time of day since it seems to be rated pretty average and the only way I'd tackle this is by watching the extended three hour TV cut. This cut gives room to breathe, and that makes all the difference. I couldn't imagine bothering with the theatrical two hour cut. Castle Rock’s descent into chaos feels richer, more textured, and more in line with King’s original slow burn sprawl.
This is a perfect autumnal watch for the start of the season. It's a huge factor into instilling the atmosphere. The orange glow of small town streets, the creeping chill in the air, and the mounting sense of decay beneath the surface. It’s cozy and sinister at once, a perfect horror watch for a long fall evening. The pacing works in its favor with momentum building steadily as Leland Gaunt’s “deals” begin to ripple through the community, pitting all the townspeople against each other.
For much of its length, the story is deeply engaging. But then comes the ending and it’s here where Needful Things falters. All that atmosphere and momentum lead to a climax that feels abrupt and over the top for the story’s careful buildup. The chaos is entertaining but the execution feels unnatural.
Still, Needful Things is a cozy, and atmospheric trip into King country. Worth the time for its seasonal vibe and strong buildup, even if the ending leaves you dissatisfied.