This movie has been studied and dissected. There are dozens of conspiracies or theories about almost every scene. It is understandable, there seems to be so much thought put into even the smallest details.

The visuals are beautiful, but they convey an isolation that makes even the wide-open spaces seem claustrophobic.

The sound design is intense. The rumble of Danny’s trike is occasionally muffled by carpeting, but it hits the ear in a way that sets you on edge. The sound of the ball Jack throws against the walls feels violent, more like someone being punched than a ball bouncing. Everything Jack does radiates violence even before he is supposedly influenced by whatever is in the hotel.

For me, these more subtle details put me on edge. Not the more graphic images of blood and bodies (that are still horrifying).

I just want to give Shelly Duvall a hug for everything she went through on set.