Misery

Main Plot

Misery follows the story of a famous author, Paul Sheldon, who becomes stranded in a remote Colorado snowstorm after a car accident. He is rescued by Annie Wilkes, his self-proclaimed "number one fan." Initially grateful for her help, Paul soon realizes that Annie is not as benevolent as she seems. As he recovers from his injuries, he discovers that Annie is obsessed with his work, particularly a series of novels featuring a character named Misery. When Paul reveals that he has killed off Misery in his latest book, Annie's affection turns into rage, and she holds him captive, forcing him to write a new novel that brings the character back to life. As Paul struggles to regain his freedom, he must navigate Annie's increasingly unstable behavior and find a way to escape her clutches while battling his own physical and psychological challenges.

Characters

• James Caan plays Paul Sheldon, a novelist held captive by an obsessed fan after a car accident, struggling to escape her clutches.
• Kathy Bates plays Annie Wilkes, a deranged fan who kidnaps and tortures author Paul Sheldon, forcing him to rewrite his latest novel to her liking.
• Richard Farnsworth plays Buster, the local sheriff who investigates the disappearance of the protagonist, ultimately uncovering crucial evidence that leads to the climactic confrontation.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Misery, the intense psychological battle between Paul Sheldon and Annie Wilkes reaches its climax. After enduring severe physical and emotional torment, Paul manages to turn the tables on Annie. He uses his writing skills to craft a final chapter for his novel that mirrors his own struggle for survival. This act of creativity becomes a weapon against Annie, as he manipulates her obsession with his work. In a tense confrontation, Paul sets fire to the manuscript of his latest book, which sends Annie into a rage. This moment symbolizes his reclaiming of power and control over his life and narrative. As the fire engulfs the pages, Paul seizes the opportunity to fight back. The struggle culminates in a violent confrontation where Paul ultimately overcomes Annie, leading to her demise. The resolution of the conflict underscores themes of captivity and the struggle for autonomy. Paul’s victory signifies not only his physical escape but also his psychological liberation from Annie's grip. The ending leaves a haunting impression, highlighting the lasting effects of trauma and the complexities of obsession, while affirming the resilience of the human spirit in the face of extreme adversity.