JT
Jack Torrance
A writer and recovering alcoholic who becomes the Overlook Hotel’s winter caretaker. He hopes the isolation will help him write.
ClearStory FILM GUIDE
The Shining1980
Follow the family. Understand the hotel. Keep the ending hidden.
What you need to know
Writer Jack Torrance accepts a winter caretaker job at the remote Overlook Hotel in Colorado. He moves into the empty hotel with his wife Wendy and their young son Danny, who has a strange ability and sees things that other people cannot.
2 hours 26 minutesSupernatural psychological horrorMostly set inside one hotel
OPTIONAL REFERENCECharacters, places and useful termsContains story details. Open after watching.
QUICK REMINDER
8 peopleThe only names you need
WT
Wendy Torrance
Jack’s wife and Danny’s mother. She tries to keep the family calm and the hotel running through winter.
DT
Danny Torrance
Jack and Wendy’s young son. He experiences frightening visions and seems able to sense things hidden from others.
T
Tony
Danny’s mysterious imaginary friend, who speaks through Danny and warns him about danger.
DH
Dick Hallorann
The Overlook’s head chef. He recognises Danny’s unusual ability because he has it too.
SU
Stuart Ullman
The hotel manager who hires Jack and explains what happened to a previous winter caretaker.
DG
Delbert Grady
A formally dressed hotel servant Jack appears to meet. His connection to the earlier caretaker is deliberately unsettling.
L
Lloyd
A bartender Jack finds in the Gold Room, even though the hotel is closed and the bar should be empty.
DURING THE FILM
Recap as you go
Choose only a scene you have completed. If you are unsure, wait until you finish watching.
Optional story focusContains story details. Open after watching.
AFTER WATCHING
Key story points
This section contains major spoilers, including the ending.
Content note: Intense psychological and supernatural horror, domestic abuse, threat to a child, axe violence, blood, disturbing images, nudity, alcohol misuse and strong language.
An unofficial, independently written viewing companion for the 1980 film The Shining. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Warner Bros., Stanley Kubrick, Stephen King or the filmmakers. No official images, logos or film artwork are used.