By the mid-1980s, Stephen King had already become a powerhouse name in horror cinema, with adaptations of Carrie (1976), The Shining (1980), and Christine (1983) cementing his influence. Cat’s Eye (1985), directed by Lewis Teague, took a different approach by presenting a horror anthology linked by a wandering feline. While it may not reach the same heights as King’s most revered works, Cat’s Eye remains a solid genre effort, offering a mix of psychological tension, supernatural horror, and dark humour.

The film’s triptych of tales begins with “Quitters, Inc.,” starring James Woods as a desperate man who enrolls in a sinister program to quit smoking, only to find the methods more terrifying than expected. Woods delivers a strong performance, balancing paranoia with nervous energy, making his character’s predicament all the more gripping. The second story, “The Ledge,” follows Robert Hays as a gambler forced to traverse the narrow ledge of a high-rise building by a vengeful crime boss. This segment is packed with suspense and effectively utilises vertigo-inducing cinematography to heighten the tension.

The final segment, “General,” shifts into a more supernatural realm, with a young Drew Barrymore playing a girl tormented by a malevolent gnome that only her stray cat, General, seems to understand. Barrymore, fresh off E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and Firestarter (1984), once again proves herself a strong child actor, giving the film a heart amid its more macabre elements. Her presence adds emotional weight to an otherwise whimsical horror entry, ensuring the audience remains invested in her fate.

Director Lewis Teague, who had previously helmed Cujo (1983), brings a polished visual style to Cat’s Eye, ensuring each segment has its own distinct atmosphere. While the stories vary in intensity, the film remains engaging throughout, aided by King’s darkly humorous and inventive storytelling. The anthology format allows for quick pacing, though it also means that not all segments leave a lasting impact.

The Prognosis:

As a whole, Cat’s Eye is a respectable entry in the pantheon of King adaptations, offering enough thrills and memorable performances to make it a worthwhile watch. While it may not be the most iconic of King’s cinematic ventures, its mix of psychological horror, dark comedy, and supernatural tension make it a unique entry in his filmography. Forty years later, it remains an enjoyable, if somewhat underrated, slice of 80s horror cinema.

• Saul Muerte