You can tell the new ‘Salem’s Lot movie wasn’t filmed in Maine. I say this because, as a writer who’s lived and worked in Maine for the past seven years, I can instantly spot a faux-cinematic Maine. Like the underrated 2019 Pet Sematary remake, the new ‘Salem’s Lot was shot in Massachusetts, despite taking place in the state where Stephen King created and set so many of his haunting novels.
But authenticity isn’t really the point of this remake, since we also know it wasn’t shot in 1975, even though that’s the year it takes place. This romp is an almost intentionally unconvincing period piece right from the start. The strength of the new ‘Salem’s Lot is its basic unreality, and once you accept that, you can enjoy yourself.
