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Paramount’s THE STAND is Pessimistic and Excessively Gory

Poster courtesy of MMPA

Paramount’s THE STAND is Pessimistic and Excessively Gory

By Trevor Jones, Movieguide® Contributor

THE STAND is a 2020 post-apocalyptic mini drama series available on Paramount+. After a man-made virus wipes out 99% of the world population, a group of immune survivors carve out a new frontier. Along the way, they grapple with the supernatural forces of good and evil. THE STAND is a 21st century adaptation of the Stephen King horror novel of the same name.

Paramount’s THE STAND is infected with poor writing and endless nihilism. The characters are morally dissonant and ruthlessly violent. The acting and cinematography are at their A-game. The series advocates for a hopeful “building a better tomorrow” message, but that arrives far too late into the equation. Even for hardcore Stephen King fans, this show offers nothing of substance. MOVIEGUIDE(R) advises adults to skip this TV-MA disease.

The THE STAND focuses on man-made viral outbreak inside the United States. As the virus wipes out most of the world population, a small group of American survivors reckon with the aftermath. Stu Redman (James Marsden), an innocent man with immunity to the outbreak, escapes a corrupt CDC testing facility. He then interacts with other morally-conflicted survivors as they decide the fate of mankind. Mother Abigail (Whoopi Goldberg) shepherds this group while fending off Randal Flagg (Alexander Skarsgård), a demon who feeds on people’s worst impulses.

THE STAND dives head-first into violent subject matter. Regular citizens cough up blood and rot away in complete agony. A pregnant woman suffers trauma from her boyfriend taking his own life. She overdoses herself on various narcotics. Stu shoots a pistol at a CDC agent’s face. The agent’s head explodes in gruesome fashion. The characters also utter F bombs. At the beginning of episode one, a group of teenagers physically assault a lonely boy before he suffers a concussion. At the end of the same episode, Stu buries a trench of dead bodies with a bulldozer.

Similar to other Stephen King adaptations, the worldview is bleak with the occasional dose of the supernatural. Mother Abigail represents an old mother / angelic figure against the forces of darkness. Randall Flaggs, a frequent malevolent presence in other King stories, manipulates the CDC into imprisoning Stu. Stu is an innocent American who tries to escape the inhumane testing facility. The other survivors try to work together for better living conditions, but they are self-absorbed in their survival. They constantly backstab each other. The moral outlook is a one-note tone of pessimism. The characters barely grow from their mistakes and there is no reprieve from the endless nihilism.

Is there any escape from the bleakness? There are a few positives. The acting is superb. The cinematography is also majestic. Similar to HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, THE STAND emphasizes the desolation and loneliness of a post-disaster society. It captures the vast scale and personal isolation of each character surprisingly well. If the series were not so bloody, it would be a visual paragon.

In conclusion, THE STAND is excessively gory. The supernatural themes are barely explored, the strong violence is egregious, and the characters are morally abhorrent. The acting and visual direction are nevertheless superb. However, there are better written (and more optimistic) takes on this post-apocalyptic idea. MOVIEGUIDE® advises mature audiences to avoid this failed Stephen King adaptation.

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.