Attention: This article contains spoilers for Stephen King’s works, specifically Duma Key and The Mist, as well as the film adaptation of The Mist released in 2007.
Fans of Stephen King often consider the concluding moments of the 2007 film adaptation of The Mist to be among the most devastating in his body of work. However, many believe the ending of his novel Duma Key may rival it for sheer heartbreak. While King is celebrated for his captivating characters and chilling narratives, his endings have occasionally left readers feeling unfulfilled, with some lacking the impact one might expect from such compelling tales. Although this isn’t a universal issue, it is evident enough to draw attention.
This phenomenon highlights the strength of King’s storytelling, where even the less satisfying endings can be remarkable in contrast to the powerful arcs that precede them. Not every conclusion fails to resonate; in fact, some are particularly jarring and remain imprinted on readers’ minds long after the final page is turned.
Comparing the Endings of Duma Key and The Mist
The Pointlessness of Jerome’s Death
The conclusion of The Mist is steeped in existential dread, where ambiguity reigns supreme. As the survivors hastily escape the convenience store, protagonist David reflects on their uncertain fate while driving into the mist, leaving readers in a state of suspense concerning their ultimate safety. This unresolved tension lingers, haunting the audience even after the conclusion of the story.
Conversely, the finale of Duma Key is notably harsh due to its unnecessary nature. The character Jerome survives significant challenges, including a neurological affliction and a vengeful deity, only to succumb to a heart attack later. While King is known for weaving gruesome and emotional deaths into his narratives, Jerome’s demise in Duma Key stands out as particularly cruel, adding little to the narrative and occurring after the real threat has subsided.
The Anguish of David’s Sacrifice
The shock intensifies when the group exhausts their fuel reserves, just as a monstrous threat emerges. In a moment of unbearable despair, David makes the harrowing decision to end the lives of everyone in the vehicle, including that of his son, believing this act would spare them from a more horrific fate. Tragically, as the mist dissipates and military forces arrive for their rescue, David is left to grapple with the realization that his sacrifice—and the loss of his child—served no purpose.
This heart-wrenching conclusion resonates as powerfully as any cinematic climax, particularly within the realm of Stephen King’s adaptations. The majority of viewers are left profoundly shaken not only by the film’s bleak resolution but also by the futility of David’s desperate choices, which haunt him irreparably. Thomas Jane’s performance captures the raw essence of grief, creating an emotional moment comparable to the best of Oscar-winning cinema and marking it as a defining end among King’s extensive catalogue.
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