Stephen King adaptations have long been a staple of horror cinema, and among the many gems in his filmography is the often-overlooked anthology, Cat’s Eye. For those seeking a unique blend of suspense, fantasy, and feline charm in a Cat Movie, “Cat’s Eye” delivers a compelling and entertaining experience that deserves more recognition. While some critics and genre enthusiasts may have initially dismissed it, “Cat’s Eye” stands out as a near-flawless horror fantasy thriller and a superior anthology compared to others of its time. It even surpasses what “Twilight Zone: The Movie” aspired to be, and arguably betters “Tales from the Darkside: The Movie” in terms of cohesive storytelling and sheer entertainment value.
Drew Barrymore gazes upwards, a tabby cat sits on a dresser near her, both are in a dimly lit bedroom.
What sets “Cat’s Eye” apart is its ingenious wraparound story featuring a seemingly sentient tabby cat. This feline protagonist weaves through each of the film’s segments, playing a subtle yet crucial role in the unfolding narratives. The movie cleverly uses the popular song “Every Breath You Take” to amplify tension, playing it at key moments of suspense and horror throughout the film, creating an unsettling atmosphere. The central question that often arises is the significance of this tabby cat and its purpose within the overarching narrative. While a prologue explaining the cat’s backstory was unfortunately cut from the final release, the essence remains: this tabby is not just any ordinary animal. He is on a mission, guided by the spirit of his former owner – a young girl who tragically fell victim to the same monstrous troll that threatens Drew Barrymore’s character in the final segment. Escaping a vengeful mother who wrongly blamed him for the girl’s death, the tabby is now driven to protect young Amanda from a similar fate, adding a layer of poignant purpose to his journey.
The brilliance of “Cat’s Eye” lies in its masterful blend of realistic and fantastical horror. The film builds through grounded, suspenseful segments before culminating in a whimsical yet thrilling showdown between the tabby and the troll. This shift in tone is expertly handled, elevating the cat’s mission to a fantastical level that resonates with the audience. In “Quitters, Inc.”, we are introduced to Dick Morrison, portrayed by James Woods, a chain smoker desperate to break his habit. He enters a sinister smoking cessation program that promises results, or dire consequences. This segment is a masterclass in suspense, as Morrison experiences firsthand the terrifying repercussions of succumbing to his addiction, culminating in a chilling conclusion that leaves him perpetually under the program’s watchful, and menacing, eye.
“The Ledge” segment bears a thematic resemblance to “Something to Tide You Over” from “Creepshow,” another Stephen King adaptation. Here, Robert Hays plays Johnny Norris, a tennis pro entangled with Marcia, a woman whose husband happens to be the dangerous mob boss, Cressner, played by Kenneth McMillan. Cressner, a gambling addict, makes Norris a perilous bet: walk the narrow ledge encircling his high-rise penthouse. Success grants Marcia a divorce; refusal means Norris faces fabricated drug charges and imprisonment. This segment is a nail-biting exercise in acrophobia, designed to terrify viewers with a fear of heights. Norris’s harrowing struggle against the elements and even aggressive pigeons becomes a truly unforgettable and agonizing sequence in horror cinema history.
The final segment, “General,” circles back to our feline narrator, whose journey culminates with young Amanda, played by Drew Barrymore. The tabby, initially named General by Amanda, charms the young girl but incurs the wrath of her mother, who attempts to banish him. However, when a malevolent troll emerges, intent on stealing Amanda’s soul, General steps into his heroic role. He wages war against the creature in a climactic battle, bringing the anthology to a darkly humorous and satisfying close. Despite its initially confused reception regarding its tonal shifts, “Cat’s Eye” remains a highly entertaining and cleverly constructed horror anthology. It boasts memorable storytelling, sharp performances from its cast, and a truly lovable feline protagonist. For fans of cat movies and horror anthologies alike, “Cat’s Eye” is an underrated gem waiting to be rediscovered and appreciated for its unique charm and thrilling segments.
