Known as the master of horror, Stephen King has left his mark on nearly every storytelling medium, from novels to screenplays and comics. This Halloween, King expands his creative boundaries by releasing his first animated short film, Lily, available to watch for free. It's an adaptation of his short story Here There Be Tygers, initially published in 1968 and later included in his 1985 collection Skeleton Crew.
Lily is a 10-minute animated film that follows a third-grader's terrifying encounter with a tiger lurking in the school bathroom, a scenario that explores themes of childhood fear and imagination. Animator Pete Scalizitti's black-and-white hand-drawn visuals enhance the horror, accented with vibrant greens and reds to heighten key moments. Kate Siegel, known for her roles in The Haunting of Hill House and other projects by husband Mike Flanagan, lends her voice to all characters in Lily and directs the short, adding a layer of intimacy and storytelling expertise.
In recent years, King's stories have been popular with filmmakers, and Lily is not his only work in development. Upcoming projects based on his stories include The Monkey, a short story about a cursed toy monkey that leads to terrifying deaths, directed by Osgood Perkins and starring Theo James. Additionally, The Running Man, King's dystopian novel, will receive a fresh adaptation, following a deadly game-show premise that pits contestants against relentless pursuers.
With Lily, Stephen King proves that his knack for horror storytelling transcends format, giving fans yet another unique medium to experience his eerie worlds. This release not only serves as a Halloween treat but also highlights the adaptability of King's works as they continue to inspire both classic and cutting-edge interpretations.
Stephen King's foray into animation with Lily is a refreshing and creative addition to his repertoire. The film's animation style, minimalistic yet haunting with selective color splashes, reflects the unnerving simplicity of childhood fears, captured artfully by animator Pete Scalizitti. Kate Siegel's contribution as director and voice talent brings a unique layer of depth, especially with her background in horror, adding authenticity to the atmosphere. While Lily stands out as a gem for Halloween, its subtle compassion and psychological undertones may resonate with viewers beyond the spooky season. For a brief but haunting experience, Lily captures the balance between fear and empathy, showing that King's work is as engaging in animation as it is in text.
Do you think Lily sets a new standard for animated horror? How would you like to see Stephen King's other stories adapted?
