, the sequel to the infamous The Shining (1980), is an impressive feat in intimate character study, engulfed in larger, blockbuster stakes. The film follows a middle-aged Danny Torrance (Ewan McGregor) as he attempts to overcome his alcoholism – the very same disease that took his father. During this decade-long journey to sobriety, we also see Danny establish telepathic communications with Abra, a young girl who has inexplicable amounts of “shine,” like Danny . As character Dick Halloran surmised in The Shining, those who have “shine” hold special, clairvoyant abilities. Alongside this narrative, we are introduced to the True Knot, a bohemian cult of immortal beings who wean their life force from children’s “shine.” Led by the stylish Rose the Hat (played by Rebecca Ferguson), the group searches for new energy sources, which have been depleted in the past decade. When Abra’s “shine” is noticed by Rose, putting her life in danger, she calls on Danny to help her destroy the True Knot.