Why The Shining’s Chilling Return Belongs to Shelley Duvall

Four and a half decades since its original release in 1980, The Shining is once again gracing cinemas—this time in IMAX, promising a viewing experience as intense as ever. The story centres on Jack Torrance, played by Jack Nicholson, who takes on the role of winter caretaker at the isolated Overlook Hotel. Accompanied by his wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and their young son Danny (Danny Lloyd), Jack’s grip on reality swiftly deteriorates, leading to a series of harrowing events within the hotel’s eerie corridors.

Over the years, the film has become a cultural touchstone, referenced in everything from The Simpsons to Breaking Bad. Yet, its reception has been far from unanimous. Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel diverges in several key respects, particularly in its depiction of Jack and Wendy, and by shifting the narrative focus away from Danny. King himself has repeatedly voiced his disapproval, remarking in a 2013 interview that Kubrick’s Wendy is

“one of the most misogynistic characters ever put on film. She’s basically just there to scream and be stupid.”

Duvall even received a nomination for Worst Actress at the inaugural Razzies in 1981.

Re-evaluating Wendy Torrance

Despite King’s ongoing reservations, the film has undergone significant reappraisal since its debut. One aspect that remains subject to misunderstanding is Duvall’s portrayal of Wendy. Much of the criticism stems from misinterpretations of her performance, as well as persistent online narratives that diminish her agency as an actor. Contrary to King’s assessment, Wendy’s role is far more substantial than simply reacting in terror; she is, in many ways, the linchpin of the entire narrative. Jack’s menace would lose much of its impact without Wendy’s presence as the embodiment of fear. The dynamic between hunter and hunted is essential to the genre, and The Shining is no exception.

Duvall’s work on the film was infamously demanding, with the shoot lasting 56 weeks and pushing her to her limits both physically and emotionally. The notorious staircase scene, where Wendy defends herself with a baseball bat, reportedly required 127 takes—though this figure is disputed—and once held a Guinness World Record. Duvall reflected in 2021,

“[Kubrick] doesn’t print anything until at least the 35th take. 35 takes, running and crying and carrying a little boy, it gets hard. And full performance from the first rehearsal. That’s difficult.”

While she is often cast as a victim of Kubrick’s methods, Duvall herself spoke positively of their working relationship, despite the challenges. To disregard her own account in favour of a narrative of victimhood is, arguably, its own form of misogyny.

The Power of Fear on Screen

Returning to the notion of Wendy as merely a figure of hysteria, it is worth considering what response would be expected from someone whose partner calmly threatens violence, or who finds themselves barricaded in a bathroom as an axe splinters the door. Duvall’s performance captures the paralysing terror of such moments with remarkable authenticity. When Wendy is trapped, unable to escape through the window while Danny waits outside, her panic is palpable, almost suffocating. Her portrayal may lack the composure of King’s original character, but it offers a raw, credible depiction of fear—one that resonates with anyone who has experienced the sensation of being frozen in a nightmare, unable to wake.

Few performances have so vividly conveyed the sensation of dread, the kind that leaves you sweating and shivering beneath the covers. Duvall’s Wendy is not simply a precursor to later ‘scream queens’; she remains unmatched in her ability to embody genuine terror.

A Chilling Festive Return

For those seeking an unconventional seasonal film, the snow-laden Overlook Hotel offers a rather unique festive experience. The Shining’s 45th anniversary re-release is now showing in cinemas, inviting a new generation to witness Duvall’s unforgettable contribution to the genre. Her legacy endures, her crown as the ultimate scream queen still firmly in place.