The upcoming supernatural horror film Salem’s Lot, directed by Gary Dauberman, is an adaptation of Stephen King’s 1975 novel of the same name. This highly anticipated movie made its premiere at Beyond Fest in September 2024 and was later released on Max in October, following several delays. As the first theatrical adaptation of the novel, the film aims to vividly represent King’s chilling vampire tale with a modern cinematic flair.
The storyline follows writer Ben Mears, who returns to his hometown, the fictional Jerusalem’s Lot, in search of creative inspiration. To survive, Ben teams up with a small group determined to combat the encroaching evil.
The cast includes Lewis Pullman as Ben Mears, Makenzie Leigh as Susan Norton, Bill Camp as Matt Burke, Pilou Asbæk as Richard Straker, and Alfre Woodard as Dr. Cody. Principal photography for the film took place in 2021 across various locations in Massachusetts, which served as the backdrop for the fictional town of Jerusalem’s Lot.
The official synopsis for the film reads:
“An author returns to his hometown of Jerusalem’s Lot in search of inspiration for his next book, only to discover that the townspeople are being attacked by a bloodthirsty vampire.”
Filming Locations of Salem’s Lot
1) Ipswich, Sterling, and Clinton
Much of Salem’s Lot was filmed in the Worcester County towns of Ipswich, Sterling, and Clinton in Massachusetts. Clinton served as the primary location for the fictional town, featuring several characters’ residences.
To achieve an authentic 1970s aesthetic, the film crew had to remove modern elements like cars during production. The streets and homes in Clinton were specifically altered to create a genuine 1970s ambiance.
Sterling also provided key settings, including a scene where Matt Burke encounters Mike Ryerson, who has turned into a vampire due to Danny Glick’s influence. One of Sterling’s local taverns was transformed for this pivotal moment, immersing viewers in the film’s dark and suspenseful environment.
Ipswich contributed to various scenes, such as those featuring the town’s police station and jail cells. In one memorable moment, Father Donald Callahan (played by John Benjamin Hickey) wakes up in a jail cell after a night of drinking. Utilizing real locations enhances the film’s realism and adds excitement to the unfolding narrative.
These Massachusetts towns were chosen for their classic small-town charm, which reflects the themes of isolation and vulnerability central to Jerusalem’s Lot.
2) Princeton Public Library
The Princeton Public Library played a vital role in creating the eerie atmosphere of Jerusalem’s Lot. Both interior and exterior shots of the library were filmed, costing $20,000 for three days of shooting.
To preserve the film’s 1970s aesthetic, modern electronics were removed, and decor was adjusted appropriately. The library becomes crucial in the narrative as Ben Mears conducts research that uncovers the town’s grim history.
Previous Adaptations and Their Locations
The 2024 version of Salem’s Lot was filmed in Massachusetts, unlike earlier adaptations. The 1979 film was predominantly shot in Ferndale, California, which represented locations such as the Marsten House.
Conversely, the 2004 miniseries utilized Creswick, Victoria, Australia, to depict Jerusalem’s Lot, creating a town reminiscent of Maine with its quaint shops and snowy landscapes.
For fans of supernatural horror, Salem’s Lot is available for streaming on Max.
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