Introduction

When Netflix decides to revisit Stephen King’s Cujo, it carries both the promise of terror and the weight of expectation. The 1983 film adaptation left an indelible mark on horror cinema, but the upcoming 2025 remake, produced by Roy Lee—known for It and Barbarian—aims to sharpen the fear with a modern sensibility. The first official trailer has just dropped, and it’s already causing ripples of dread across the horror community.

The Legacy of Cujo

King’s novel was never just about a rabid dog. It was about isolation, fear, and the fragile line between safety and chaos. The original movie captured that claustrophobic horror, trapping mother and child inside a car while a once-beloved Saint Bernard turned into their relentless predator. To remake such a story is to wrestle with its legacy—one of primal terror and emotional desperation.

What the Trailer Reveals

• A darker visual tone: The cinematography embraces muted colors and sharp contrasts, evoking a constant sense of unease.
• The dog as a monster: Unlike the somewhat sympathetic Saint Bernard of the original, this Cujo feels more monstrous, its madness exaggerated through chilling camera work and sound design.
• Psychological stakes: The trailer hints at more focus on the breakdown of human relationships, mirroring the chaos outside.

Roger Ebert’s Lens: Why This Matters

Great horror is not simply about jump scares or gore. It’s about confronting truths we’d rather keep buried. The Cujo remake, at least from its trailer, understands that. The terror of being trapped, of facing a once-loyal companion turned foe, speaks to the fragility of trust and the unpredictable cruelty of nature. If done well, it will be less about the dog itself and more about the human condition under siege.

What to Expect from the 2025 Remake

Netflix appears committed to reimagining horror classics with respect and boldness. With Roy Lee at the helm, we can expect:

• A faithful adaptation of King’s raw themes.
• Modern horror techniques that heighten suspense.
• Performances designed to ground the nightmare in reality.

Final Thoughts

The question with any remake is whether it earns its existence. Early signs suggest that Netflix’s Cujo is not a hollow rehash, but a deliberate attempt to breathe new life into a story of primal fear. The late 2025 premiere will tell us if this Saint Bernard still has the power to haunt our dreams. For now, the trailer does exactly what a trailer should: it makes us uneasy, curious, and just a little bit afraid.