---
title: "Misery"
year: 1990
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/misery-1990"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 1700
imdb_id: "tt0100157"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 107
community_rating: 7.8
vote_count: 5303
content_rating: "R"
---

# Misery (1990) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/misery-1990

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The film "Misery" is a psychological thriller about an acclaimed novelist who suffers an accident and is rescued by a woman claiming to be his biggest fan. She takes him to her remote home in Colorado where she forces him to write a new story. The novelist had previously killed off a popular literary character, and this woman demands that he revive this character in a new story. The woman's obsession with the novelist and his work takes a dark turn, leading to a situation where he is held captive and forced to comply with her demands. The film explores themes of obsession and captivity, highlighting the complexities of the relationship between the novelist and his captor.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "An injured acclaimed novelist is held captive by a dangerously unbalanced fan in a remote home."

### Why Watch
- Engaging psychological tension
- Strong adaptation of a Stephen King novel

### Caveats & Content Note
- Contains dark captivity themes
- Intense situations may distress some viewers
- Tone & Suitability: This film features dark themes of captivity, obsession, and suspenseful peril.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: thriller, suspenseful, dark, psychological

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | None | None | Spectrum On Demand, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Sky Store |
| **Canada (CA)** | Crave, Crave Amazon Channel | None | Apple TV Store, CosmoGo, Google Play Movies |
| **Australia (AU)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Rob Reiner
- **Networks / Studios**: Castle Rock Entertainment, Nelson Entertainment

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Kathy Bates** as *Annie Wilkes*
- **James Caan** as *Paul Sheldon*
- **Richard Farnsworth** as *Buster*
- **Lauren Bacall** as *Marcia Sindell*
- **Frances Sternhagen** as *Virginia*
- **Graham Jarvis** as *Libby*
- **Jerry Potter** as *Pete*
- **Thomas Brunelle** as *Anchorman*
- **June Christopher** as *Anchorwoman*
- **Julie Payne** as *Reporter #1*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the film about?
An acclaimed novelist is rescued from an accident by a fan who holds him captive and forces him to write.

### Q: When was Misery released?
The film was released on November 30, 1990.

### Q: Who directed the film?
Misery was directed by Rob Reiner.

### Q: Is the film based on a book?
Yes, the film is based on Stephen King's 1987 novel.

### Q: Who stars in Misery?
The film stars James Caan among others.

---
*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*