Movie Magic, Maine, and New Horror

This blog is going to be a little different.

By now, just about everyone who follows my social media posts knows I finished writing my newest book. Yes, another book. It’s titled Soulscapes and Sacrifice. If you’re into psychological horror with cultish, serial killer vibes, you’re probably going to get into this one. More on that soon, but first, let's head back to Maine as the summer season kicks into gear.

I want to talk about inspiration for a second. The main reason I love to write horror is Stephen King among many other great authors. I was a massive fan from middle school onward, right up until the early 2000s when I started venturing into other subgenres and authors. One of my top five books by the man is Pet Sematary. And wouldn't you know it, the original film adaptation (1989) was shot right here in Maine, just a handful of miles from where I'm living for the summer.

The story tackles grief, loss, love, and, of course, the terrifying extremes that make horror what it is. I loved the book because it was the first time a story evoked real, visceral emotion from me, even as a fifteen-year-old kid. I still vividly remember the chapter where the protagonist, Louis, loses his young son, Gage, in that tragic accident. Years later, I remember reading about the film production in an issue of Fangoria magazine, absolutely stoked to see how they'd adapt it.

The movie didn’t disappoint. It changed a couple of things from the page and at this point in my life, I can't recall the exact details. I do remember obsessing over the comparison and completely nerding out.

Recently, that inner nerd resurfaced. I bought the movie, rewatched it, and we decided to take a drive out to the filming locations, the Creed house and that infamous stretch of asphalt where Gage was hit by the Orinco semi. (I’ve posted some pictures below for your viewing pleasure!)

The drive itself was incredible. We took a long, winding route, and even though the actual road wasn’t a busy state highway like the one depicted in the book and film, it was easy to see why the location scouts chose it. It was the perfect spot. We passed ancient homes, fully inhabited, yet weathered to look abandoned, adorned with classic East Coast Shaker shingles. Tall, imposing trees gave way to patches of dark, dense woods, hiding quiet ponds, lakes, and tidal pools. I was entirely drawn into the atmosphere, totally starstruck by where we were heading.

The actual location held completely true to the spirit of the novel. Standing outside the house, I could almost see the ghosts of the crew, the cameras, and the fake blood. I looked out at the lake in the background where the Creeds and Jud Crandall shared a picnic right before everything unraveled.

Movie magic never hits quite as hard as it does when you’re standing in the exact footprint of one of your favorites. On screen, these places feel so vast and larger-than-life, but in reality, they’re often just tight, intimate little nooks. It really makes you appreciate the incredible illusion created by the actors, directors, screenwriters, and authors.

So, until next time, folks, stay tuned for more of our adventures out there on the East Coast, and enjoy the pictures below.

Thanks for reading.

Tim Eagle

Tim Eagle is an author of the novellas Karma Cop, Life Ship, and the Vasectomus Collection. He lives full time, on the road, with his wife, Maria and cat Walter White. He grew up in Michigan and is inspired by the dysfunction of America. His books are available on Amazon, godless and this site timeaglefiction.com 

Pet Sematary House in Hancock, ME

Tim Eagle Gage and Pet Sematary

Lake House and Mario Kart at the Pet Sematary

Picnic of Blook on Pet Sematary

Pet Sematary Crandall Residence