Gray Matter (2018) is a short sci-fi horror film directed by Greg Nicotero, based on Stephen King’s short story from his collection Night Shift. The film was part of the anthology series Creepshow and explores themes of isolation, addiction, and transformation. The story is set in a small, desolate town where Richie, a once-kind man, has descended into alcoholism after the death of his wife. His son, Timmy, becomes concerned when his father’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic.
Timmy goes to the local store for help, where he tells the town’s elders about his father’s horrifying transformation. As the group of townspeople, led by Doc and Sheriff Lacey, decide to investigate, they discover that Richie’s addiction has led to something far more terrifying than they imagined—a monstrous mutation that threatens everyone around him.
Gray Matter blends psychological horror with body horror, delivering eerie suspense and a sense of dread as it builds toward a chilling conclusion. The film taps into fears of addiction and the monstrous consequences it can unleash, in both a literal and metaphorical sense, showcasing Stephen King’s signature blend of everyday horrors with the supernatural.
