Shining Bright

Stanley Kubrick, known for his meticulous attention to detail and innovative filmmaking techniques, is the mastermind behind the iconic horror film, The Shining. This 1980 classic tells the story of a writer, Jack Torrance, who takes a job as the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel, along with his wife Wendy and their son Danny. As they settle into their new surroundings, the hotel's dark past begins to unravel, and the family's sanity is pushed to the limit.

The Shining is a horror thriller that has stood the test of time, with its eerie atmosphere and suspenseful plot continuing to unsettle audiences to this day. The film boasts an impressive cast, including Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, and Danny Lloyd, and its influence can be seen in many modern horror films. With a runtime of 144 minutes and a certificate of 15, this film is not for the faint of heart. The scores are impressive, with an 8.4/10 rating on IMDb, 75% on Rotten Tomatoes, and 82% on Trakt.

The film has received widespread critical acclaim, with many considering it one of the greatest horror films of all time. It has been selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry and has won several awards, including six wins and nine nominations. The film's production was notable for its use of the Steadicam mount, which gave the film an innovative and immersive look and feel. Kubrick's direction and the cast's performances have been praised for creating a sense of tension and unease that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Viewers have also praised the film for its masterful use of musical score and cinematography, which elevate the movie to a horror classic. Some have noted that the film's slow pace and lack of jump scares make it a more psychologically complex and unsettling experience. Others have criticized the film for its pacing and plot, but overall, The Shining remains a beloved and influential horror film. The Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts in Brighton will be screening The Shining on Tuesday, 8 December 2026, as part of their Campus Cinema Club. Tickets and details are available with the button beside this article.