Misery (1990)

Famous writer crashes in the middle of a snowstorm, but is rescued and nursed back to health by his "number one fan."

I saw this more than 25 years ago and was surprised at just how well it holds up. Kathy Bates is absolutely superb as Annie, treading the line between giddy fan and demanding captor brilliantly; there were times my heart actually twinged for her. But it's James Caan who quietly makes this movie really work. He plays it just right as both the grateful patient and the desperate captive. I truly think the best thrillers know that humans are scarier than anything supernatural could ever be.

B