The story follows Paul Sheldon (played by James Caan), a famous author best known for his romance novels featuring a character named Misery Chastain. After finishing the manuscript for his new book, Paul decides to leave his successful series behind. On his way back from a remote lodge, where he’s been writing, Paul gets caught in a snowstorm and crashes his car.

He is rescued by Annie Wilkes (played by Kathy Bates), a former nurse who lives in a secluded farmhouse. Annie claims to be Paul’s “number one fan” and takes him to her home to nurse him back to health. However, it quickly becomes clear that Annie is not as kind-hearted as she first appears. When she discovers that Paul has killed off her beloved character, Misery, in his latest book, she becomes enraged and traps him in her home, forcing him to rewrite the story according to her wishes.

What follows is a chilling game of psychological torment as Paul tries to outwit his captor while enduring physical and emotional abuse. Annie’s mood swings, unhinged behavior, and violent tendencies make her one of the most iconic and terrifying villains in cinema history. Kathy Bates’ performance was widely acclaimed, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Misery is praised for its tight, suspenseful storytelling, claustrophobic atmosphere, and the intense performances by its two leads. The film explores themes of obsession, control, and the dangerous relationship between creators and their fans. With its blend of horror, tension, and dark humor, Misery remains one of the most successful and critically acclaimed adaptations of a Stephen King novel.