The Whisperer: Stephen King's 'Later' Arrives on the Big Screen, And Honestly, It's About Time

Ah, Stephen King. Just when you think you’ve seen every shade of his terrifying brilliance, he pulls another rabbit—or perhaps, a ghost—out of his hat. His 2021 novel, “Later,” is finally making its way to the big screen, a project that, for once, feels utterly destined for the cinematic treatment. Because really, a story about a kid who can chat with the dearly departed? That’s pure King, isn’t it?

The novel itself, a real page-turner in the hardboiled crime genre but with a King-sized supernatural twist, introduces us to Jamie Conklin. He’s just a boy, mind you, living a pretty normal, if a bit complicated, life with his literary agent mother. But Jamie, well, he’s got a gift. Or a curse, depending on how you look at it. He can see and speak to the recently deceased. Not just glimpse them, but have full-blown conversations. And here’s the kicker: they can’t lie to him. Ever. Which, you could say, makes him an invaluable, if deeply unsettling, resource.

Naturally, such a unique ability isn’t going to stay under wraps for long. His aunt Liz, a New York City detective, quickly learns of Jamie’s peculiar talent. And before you know it, young Jamie is pulled into a chilling, high-stakes investigation involving a notorious serial killer. The dead, as we know, hold secrets, but just because they can’t lie doesn’t mean the truth is simple—or without its own terrifying consequences. It's a coming-of-age tale, yes, but steeped in the kind of gritty realism and creeping dread only King can truly master.

For those keeping tabs, Blumhouse—the studio that’s practically become synonymous with smart, impactful horror—is behind this adaptation. They’ve got quite the track record with King’s work, too, bringing tales like “Mr. Harrigan's Phone” and “The Boogeyman” to life. So, there’s a real sense of anticipation, isn’t there, knowing “Later” is in such capable hands? They seem to understand the delicate balance required: the human drama, the psychological tension, and the undeniable pull of the supernatural.

And honestly, we can't wait to see how Jamie’s extraordinary, somewhat burdening world unfolds on film. It’s more than just a ghost story; it’s a contemplation of morality, truth, and the unseen forces that shape our lives. And if you ask me, that’s precisely why it resonates so deeply. It’s King at his most vulnerable and his most haunting. Get ready for a thriller that promises to stick with you, long after the credits roll.