Film

Inhabiting the wacky fringes of cinephilic fervor, this subjective documentary sets out to unpack the multitudes contained in Stanley Kubrick’s horror classic The Shining. Compiling the ultra-close (over-)readings of both scholars and fans, director Rodney Ascher rewinds, replays, and remaps the film in ways that will shock even the most passionate Kubrick lovers. Codes and conspiracies are patiently teased out from the most miniscule details, and in the process we learn as much about the psychology of the film’s rabid devotees as we do about its undying allure. One of the standout documentaries from this year’s Sundance, Room 237 is a haunting trip down the rabbit hole of movie fanaticism.