Rest Stop. (2019, short film, Based on a short story by Stephen King)

Based on a short story by Stephen King, "Rest Stop." follows a sheepish college professor and novelist, John Dykstra ("Stranger Things" Randy Havens), in the year 1975, who on his way back from one of his monthly author meetup groups, pulls over to a rest area. What would be a routine pit stop, spirals into something much more sinister as John overhears a domestic assault emanating from the women’s bathroom.
John must make a decision about whether to let his cowardice relieve him of any responsibility, or embrace his alter ego and attack the situation head on. The decision he ultimately makes will forever change the man he is. Be it good character or bad, John Dykstra’s simple life will now be anything but.
Also starring "The Conjuring's" and "House of Cards" Steve Coulter and "Rectify's" Jayson Warner Smith.
Film Review: terror.ca/movie/tt10263936

[@oldeskoolnana7543]

I love King's short stories. They are sometimes scarier than his novels, if you can believe that. Skeleton Crew is a great anthology. Long live the King. 🤴😱

[@louisbrugnoni7639]

So true! Plus I have a short attention span so I prefer short stories. 😊

[@julietfischer5056]

A short story goes right for the gut. Our imagination fills in the gaps. Longer works build to the climax. Done well, we're invested in the characters and situation--even if we want them to be eaten by shoggoths at the end.

[@fuffoon]

I'm with you on that. I read King and other horror authors when I was young enough to be terrified.

[@mindsigh4]

i like how Kings characters speak, i think u gotta be raised american to appreciate/pick up on some of it, tho i could be rong

[@oldones59]

@@julietfischer5056 Don't say "we." Use "I."

[@marcd1981]

It seems my algorithm is set on Stephen King short stories, as this is the third one recommended since yesterday. Not complaining at all, King was a huge part of my reading development as Horror was my second genre I dove into for a few years.

[@jeusgarcia8597]

*"PUSH A PERSON TOO FAR AND YOU'LL FIND THE ANIMAL."* -NONNA BIANCARDI

[@Missglam67]

I loved the short story. It sort of reminds me of an off ramp that is hardly used anymore near me. The stores and restaurants have all been closed for almost 10 years. You get off there and it’s eerily quiet. It’s a few exits past Six Flags Magic Mountain which is a busy and bustling area but this place is creepy. Must like the rest stop on this story.

[@raymondlucero4999]

This is why it's a love hate thing with me when it comes to shorts. I did not want this one to end. Definitely one of the better, best ones. Stephen King's writing is all that he ever set out for it to be. The greatest writer that was, is, will ever touch their fingertips to the letter keys.

[@BrandyWine658]

Dean Koontz is right there with him. They are both outstanding.

[@slipknot6789]

Thanks to all that coke!

[@liquidflamepoetry]

​@@BrandyWine658 I love Dean Koontz books

[@liquidflamepoetry]

​@@BrandyWine658 I love Dean Koontz books

[@jackiemarini3203]

​@@BrandyWine658Agree 💯

[@adamani08]

This film cut out the climax? The most important part of the story was the confrontation of the abusive husband by John Dykstra. The conversation between Dykstra and the husband and the wife was the best part. How could they cut that out.

[@user-qw5fy8zx9g]

Never saw a bad thing with Mr.King's name envolved... The man exales talent. Gratitude! Great piece!!

[@manuelluisnavarro7701]

Excellent acting! Wish John Dysktra had other adventures. A sort of toned down intellectual Michael Myers.

[@tjmmcd1]

This gets the, 'Short Film Oscar' for best sound/music editing.

[@kylieh123]

The direction of this film was incredible and the actors were fantastic. What a great short!

[@user-qw5fy8zx9g]

True!

[@amandajanemclaughlin4133]

I'd like to watch anything to do with Stephen King he's one of the horror writers

[@TapYouKillYou]

I've been involved in many levels of video production in many positions. Owned a production company too. This is A-list right here. Tremendously done. I'll have to research this film, this director, this director of photography. Surely this isn't a first effort; this is much too polished. This short hits on all cylinders: the cinematogtaphy, the soundtrack, the editing, the casting... This is BETTER THAN the quality I wished my material could have been.

[@oldones59]

All of your production expertise aside, did you enjoy the film?

[@TapYouKillYou]

@@oldones59 oh yes, greatly.

[@theoseans]

OMG I heard it won 20 pulitzer prizes in 2019 lawd SMFD!!!!!

[@zxyatiywariii8]

It's fascinating how much this expertise is "invisible" to many audiences; but the quality is irresistible. People may not be able to describe why a film works, but they know when it does. And there's a ton of work and skill which makes that possible.

[@barryallenflash1]

Hey! If you need any actors-background, cameos, hit me up. Thanks!

[@cherylbulleid7091]

Great as actor choice , super good short,brilliant layout, as usual King. Nice job.

[@pommydiva1]

fantastic story. loved the acting and the outcome.. great work

[@louisbrugnoni7639]

Loved the way this was directed. Especially the opening scene in the office. Right from the secretary on. The acting, considering they are a bunch of no names, is spot on.

[@norman7527]

I much prefer the 'no names' rather than the contemporary primadonna's

[@missesmew]

@@norman7527 lol, yes talent is usually pretty good in these short films. This is where people are practicing and love their craft. Definitely refreshing

[@oldones59]

Just because someone isn't widely-known, you don't have to label them no names.

[@johnbgood52]

Who would you rather watch? A good but relatively unknown actor or Brad Pitt? How can you suspend your disbelief and get into the story when a face you know as well as you know your own is staring back at you from the screen?

[@lastsaint7778]

@@johnbgood52 Millions of people every day are able to suspend their disbeliefs by getting into a story with an actor they've seen in other films...what a weird question. It's called imagination. And do you know Brad Pitt's face as well as your own? I do enjoy talented actors/actresses I've never seen before, and I wish more of them were given a chance, but it's not like if a celebrity is in a movie it makes it harder to immerse oneself in it.

[@krishaskin8809]

This feels like an episode of Tales From The Crypt. Bravo!!!

[@rubenzambrano2307]

John Dykstra, un profesor de inglés de buenos modales, se esfuerza por conciliar su tranquila vida académica con su alter ego de seudónimo secreto, Rick Hardin, que escribe novelas policiacas superventas protagonizadas por su creación más importante, un justiciero llamado "El Perro". " En el camino a casa después de un evento de escritores, Dykstra se detiene en una parada de descanso de la carretera en medio de la nada. Se sorprende al escuchar voces provenientes del baño, así como los sonidos claros del abuso doméstico. ¿Dykstra tiene lo necesario para intervenir? Y si no... tal vez Rick Hardin sí. Basado en el cuento "Rest Stop" de Stephen King. Gracias por compartir.

[@MrJaycrow30]

John must be a version of Stephen King himself as a prof and budding writer back in his days. The alter ego theme is also touched on in The Dark Half, an awesome book and ok movie! cheers

[@mztweety1374]

I loved the dark half. I knew the first time I read it, it had to become a movie 😂

[@nelliesilvers1210]

It was cool seeing Michael Rooker as Alan Pangborn who's a recurring character in a few of his books. I can never unseen him as Merle Dixon from The Walking Dead though😆

[@nelliesilvers1210]

Never unsee, I mean. Stupid predictatext😒

[@MrJaycrow30]

@@mztweety1374 Same here, I really wanted to see the road of sparrow scene. One day they'll remake this, it's been like 30 years old now lol! cheers

[@MrJaycrow30]

@@nelliesilvers1210 Michael Rooker also co-starred in "Bastard Out of Carolina" with a very young Jena Malone. He has a scene that i feel everyone would cheer for; when he goes full "Merle" on a predator!

[@gregkral4467]

hehehe, like the dark half. Machine is gonna take over. Man what a bunch of turds he works with. Fun vid, thank you. Just listened to The jaunt, that was quite terrifying and thought provoking too.

[@csj9619]

King's short stories are fantastic.

[@vickiwaatti1076]

Great adaptation of one of the greats. The only problem I saw was, when having CC on, sometimes the music is overwhelming the text. Meaning instead of showing the talking, all it would show was "Music" A little frustrating for those of us that need the CC.

[@Prof.Tarfeather]

Just Love Stephen King's Short Stories! Read this back in the day.

[@leannaerickson9745]

By coincidence, I had reread this story a few weeks ago. It would seem that Steven King is quite generous about letting others use his stories as a base to create their own work, so it is always interesting to see other people's take on King's stories. I enjoyed watching Cameron Schwartz's interpretation of "Rest Stop."

[@barbaracicerchi4633]

Loved the music!!!

[@trishazechel8402]

I guess John really needed that rest stop.

[@stardust949]

Kudos to the film maker! Not much other than some bare bones on this story---but I was highly entertained by the casting and all the details that screamed 1975 ~ Well Done!

[@xorderofchaosx]

WOW. great acting, great production value, great story from a great source...its got everything! its criminal that this guy only has 700 subs like wtf is going on over here

[@kurtweiand7086]

Excellent job, thanks!

[@itscalledlogic7]

I'm three minutes in and really impressed. Well done.

[@sierrachasauce8655]

This was great! The acting was amazing! Those two guys were so good at being unlikeable, really made me hate them! Especially the guy at the writers meeting, he was the worst! So great job lol and great production quality as well, I really was thinking this must have been a famous short film or something but then I saw it only had like 900 likes and 85 comments! Definitely deserves more attention

[@coloradotrish7297]

Well done! thanks for posting!

[@miapdx503]

Writer's meetings...I can understand King writing about it! The phrase "pompous asses" comes to mind. 😑

[@migglemaggle9500]

Loved it! Great work! Thanks

[@samtaybi6029]

Hey man, nice job. you got the genre down. great beats, production design, cinematography (lighting/Grip dolly, etc), score, and edit was well pace and reminiscent of 80's/early 90's cinema. kudos bro. Keep at it!

[@jessiew7824]

The book of short stories was great! I just finished it. I love how the town is named Derry in this film

[@reglook1]

Great! Love the ending.

[@BrandyWine658]

Wow! I just found this little gem and I sure didn't want it to end. I've got to see what else you have.

[@cyndylynn6369]

That was great!!! Thank you Soooo... 😊😊😊

[@micknordstrom2591]

Excellent!

[@charleslaughton8092]

Brilliant and captivating.

[@squamish4244]

Love the humour in this.

[@MisterG2323]

Nicely done!

[@rhetteverette2406]

I still liked it but having read the short story I was a little bit bummed by the changes made. Imo the best part in the story was the dialogue between the two men at the rest stop. Still a fun short film though

[@julietfischer5056]

The conversation may not have worked on camera.

[@user-tg3po1iv9v]

I used to hitchhike all over the country, and rest areas are the best places to get long rides. I've seen some strange things at rest areas. The title caught me before I knew who wrote it, makes sense it's Stephen King.

[@gilwood7530]

I loved the 70s vibe to this . The music was even perfect ! have to subscribe to see your other stuff

[@tamsmith6751]

Very well done, Great actor, Nice Camera work, Overall A Great Watch

[@d.grouard6737]

I thoroughly enjoyed this film…….I didn’t want it to end. Plus the overall production,including the acting, was top notch. Well done!!

[@swimfast724]

I personally think Steven kings short stories are better than his books

[@UnknownHomie]

I was today years old when I found out he had short stories on here 😮😮😮😮

[@thomasgriffin2326]

Wow this was GREAT!! KUDOS!

[@swimfast724]

Ha "Derry Public Library" like Derry from It (also my grandparents grew up in Derry Pennsylvania lol)

[@julietfischer5056]

Derry is one of his fictional settings, like Castle Rock or Little Tall Island.

[@johnbgood52]

Fancy that. My family is from Blairsville.

[@jerryjohnston3844]

Was this one of the famous "dollar babies"? I hope it was, as far as I know, this is the first one of them I have seen. Nicely done!

[@vickiwaatti1076]

I had the same thought

[@robbieallan6522]

Very very well made short stories, you really feel for him cuz of people undervaluing him and mocking him it was tense and interesting 10 out or 10, I wish I could write like that, I've started dozens of stories but I get stuck a couple chapters in I can't grasp that arc.

[@hamishandkimmaclennan8856]

Very reminiscent of Hitchcock with film noir elements. Music keeps the tension tight,and the tonal montage is spot on -a little a+b=c Potemkin style.

[@conniehanses]

Okay, second one. Confess I didn't know these existed. Thank you Stephen for the experience sir. 💙🌎

[@s.l.5203]

Omgosh where have you been all my life ‼️ Just stumbled across your channel ‼️ Awesome channel ♥️♥️♥️

[@olivier-pierredebelmont.3630]

Hi Cameron,I love Stephen King since decades,so I subscribed to your channel!😅

[@stefaniechrissi3743]

I love it that the story takes place in Derry.....I'm thinking that it must be more or less the same time when the children who fought against IT were living there?!

[@mommy2libras]

Not at all. When IT was terrorizing the town and the kids were fighting IT as children the first time, it was 1957- 1958. When they had to come back and do it again as adults, IT started killing in 1984 and they came back in 1985. The cycle of IT was around 27 years, more or less. This story, Rest Stop, took place in 1975.

[@cherylbowker3717]

I 💕 King's stories they're the 💣!!

[@davestaircrazedlocalactor7949]

Splendid. Acting, Soundtrack.... everything. Rather a departure from the short story ( what else is new?) but in an intriguing imaginative way. If I were Sk? I put you to work on my future screen adaptations.

[@JohnClam]

A quarter of the way through this i realized there are at least two Steve King short stories that take place at a rest stop lol.

[@FrithonaHrududu02127]

It's so difficult to maintain HORROR over the course of a novel. Pet sematary and the shining achieve it best. But short stories....for me "N" is his absolute scariest

[@heathermillsphantomlimb9314]

10:57, love the fact that this takes place in Derry.

[@notme9816]

Soo good!

[@olivier-pierredebelmont.3630]

Sooooo good!

[@bigcityjunglecatenvisageth1422]

Kick a dog long enough and eventually it will bite you. There was no doubting who his next victim will be. 😨😱💀😆

[@roxanne1092]

Derry public library…NICE😊

[@eyecomeinpeace2707]

Nice story. Derry is also the fictional town in Stephen King's novel "It"

[@gingersnapps]

The town of Derry is referred to in many of steven kings novels Misery, It, Dreamcatcher, Pet Cemetery, Needful Things, Tommyknokers and Geralds Game. Just like you see a cat in every movie adaptation as well as Steven King himself cameos in every movie adaptation most appearances being a blink and u miss it type of moment!

[@eyecomeinpeace2707]

@@gingersnapps Yes that is true. Thank you for the additions. I too am a fan of his.

[@oldeskoolnana7543]

@@gingersnapps So did Alfred Hitchcock.

[@eyecomeinpeace2707]

@@oldeskoolnana7543 Wow, did not know that.

[@julietfischer5056]

@@eyecomeinpeace2707- Derry and Castle Rock are the settings for numerous novels and stories.

[@SistorCarrera]

the worm has turned

[@t.t.5324]

Good short.

[@almohvn33]

SUPERB

[@johnkean6852]

If they took the lens cap off l may have been able to see what was going on ... had to guess.

[@UNUSUALUSERNAME220]

The only problem I had was with the music. Every second is filled with music. It's 25 minutes long and every second was bathed in music. Pump the brakes a little. Let stuff breathe, relax.

[@deacondawg1416]

I like it.

[@kellydepol3108]

Reminded me of a Roland dohyle..tales of the unexpected "The hitcher".also Billy bibbit from "One flew over the cookos nest " was the hitchhiker.

[@ecthelion222]

This didn’t do the actual story justice at all. It’s supposed to end with him having killed all the awful ppl and he ends up living in a ghost town bc he kills everyone while vicariously living out the murders in his books. His perception of everyone changes bc ppl start to catch on that it’s him and turn on him more. (The police aren’t really involved in the story) That’s how he ends up killing the good ppl too and living alone with nobody.

[@lasalleman6792]

Not too bad. Wish it were a little longer.

[@klaseronen7535]

Almost felt bad for that Roger guy... Excellent short story, ended much too soon. 👍🏻

[@neiljohnson5351]

Nah man, he's a dochebag!

[@eventsotherthingswithchris9019]

Beyond King, another who's starting to have things become films is Author Nick Cutter. Not sure what's going on with Koontz these days where he hasn't put out anything new for quite awhile.

[@oldeskoolnana7543]

If you haven't read "Whispers " by Koontz it's a must. It's terrifying. 😱😱

[@eventsotherthingswithchris9019]

@@oldeskoolnana7543 I've read it & seen the film adaptation! I'm now trying to remember all film adaptations off of his stuff. I know "Funhouse" is when Dean was using one of his pseudonyms, "Watchers" was another, "Whispers" I want to say was the 3rd or 4th & I think there may be 1 to 3 more. I'd like to see a couple more Owl Looking back novels make it as films, only one I know of is Wendigo although I don't think he got full credit for it.

[@oldeskoolnana7543]

@@eventsotherthingswithchris9019 Thanks. I didn't see,"Whispers". The novel was unbelievable. Watchers was great. I seem to like the novels better. King's novels don't always translate well into film. Of course exceptions are "Shawshank Redemption " " Misery" "It" & my biggest fear "Cujo". I know there's more but his books are so character driven it's difficult to do. "The Shining " was changed so much, left out the boiler & how he went mad. Sorry for the rant but I've been a King fan for 50 years. Also "Carrie" & "The original "Pet Sematary" Long live the King. 🤴✌🌻🌻 Also huge Dean Koonz fan. He's underrated in my opinion.

[@MrJaycrow30]

The first book I read from Koontz was The Bad Place about a special family with strange abilities; needs to be a movie!!! Pet Semetary was my first King book!

[@barryallenflash1]

I don't think Roger is gonna be in the sequel....lol

[@liquidflamepoetry]

Love this film. If you ever want me to write something for one of your intros let me know :)

[@Promses2Keep]

_Walter Mitty_ meets _Falling Down_ ...it was bound to happen.

[@dnkgy]

wtf this is incredible

[@onetwo12onetwo526]

I clearly see all the comments are from friends and Associates no group of people talk about the cinematography on a movie that much or the tech specs

[@mikeellis9720]

I liked the Cuda. Needs the door hinges lubed.

[@sharonrichards1627]

Derry, Always Derry.

[@GradKat]

I can see why he didn’t get the Chair position - he’s nuts.

[@nataliewicks3388]

Hmm. I never seen this one by Stephen King I'm watching it tonight

[@kathydavenport4422]

Those guys making a fool of themselves. Just leave him alone.

[@1tarawho]

I read this years ago but don't remember how it ended lol

[@androidtexts6948]

Imagine being coked up and writing all these crazy stories like s.king

[@sorinichim4737]

This is how the Joker was "born" into this crooked world. From necessity we need to use violence to stand up for what is right! Anger gets shit done !

[@robertafierro5592]

Not always..

[@secretdoorgaming2022]

The Joker was a fictional character someone whom was insane, crooked and evil to the core. He was a comic character. You think doing evil things will make you a better person? Anger gets you no where but in trouble.

[@dicruz8536]

There's a difference between aggressive and assertive. This guy skipped the mature approach and went from passivity straight to primal violence. Violence is not necessary to solve most problems/situations.

[@nikkicole3331]

I generally disliked the King novels and I have read them since Cujo and Carrie. I didn't like that he takes 500 pages to go 3 feet. I have always thought he excelled in his short stories. Several just stay with you and don't rely on demonism. The horror movie adaptations are by and large cheesy, but then you read or watch "Shawshank" and you realize what a genius King is.

[@aderodriguez3481]

Come on I really wish they could've showed that he kills all of the ones that were mocking him. Especially the Dean. Too bad didn't show in the movie

[@PumaLyn]

Never judge a book by its cover.

[@RobertJames-pl5vb]

That Button Closer than It Appears #

[@wokeness420]

So...what do you think happened? You suppose he took his trusty tire iron to the bar? I'm guessing poor guy never got his drinks. And likely is in serious need of some dental and reconstructive surgery 😅

[@lkj974]

Really, this is a very different story than the Steven King short.

[@inesborstel5592]

👍👍👍

[@patricedesbiens6386]

from what book is this?