On April 21, 2020, Stephen King’s newest collection of four previously unpublished novellas, titled If It Bleeds, released to the public. Known for dominating the horror literary and cinematic genre, King does not hold back on highlighting the horrors of everyday life in these thought-provoking and compelling stories. While it was originally scheduled for release in early May, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it released earlier than anticipated. The four novellas in the collection are “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone,” “The Life Of Chuck,” “If It Bleeds,” and “Rat”.
Countless King novellas and short stories have transformed from pages in a book to the big screen throughout the years. Fritz Kiersh’s 1984 horror film, Children Of The Corn, and Frank Darabont’s 2007 thriller, The Mist, were adapted from short stories previously published in a collections similar to If It Bleeds. Currently, four adaptations of short stories or novellas written by King are in production to become feature length films such as Blumhouse Productions’ adaptation – release date pending – of his 1982 novella, “The Breaking Method."
The release of If It Bleeds could not come at a better time. Its themes range from climate change, fears of the apocalyptic end of the world, technology mixed with the paranormal, mass shootings, and varying degrees of tragic events that have occurred throughout American history. King may be the master of creating horror, but these four short stories showcase how deeply embedded real-life horrors are in his works and the ways that they live on in society's memories. Here are all four stories from If It Bleeds ranked, worst to best.
4. "Mr. Harrigan's Phone"
The short story, “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone”, tells the story of a young man named Craig who has befriended an elderly man named Mr. Harrigan. He does not have any family, and considers Craig to be the closest thing he could have to a son. When the first-generation iPhone is released, Craig receives one and, with money won from a lottery scratch-off, he buys one for the old man. One evening, the young boy discovers that Mr. Harrigan has passed away. What ensues is a paranormal story about a young man who ends up missing a dearly departed friend.
As Craig calls Mr. Harrigan’s phone and leaves voicemails about issues he has with school bullies and drunk drivers, these people begin to die. While the premise of the story is enticing to say the least, it is a slow burn from beginning to an unsatisfactory ending. In it, King offers commentary on death and technology as well as how society is wrapped up in the two. It's a well thought out story, but lacks the visceral horror that King fans have come to know and appreciate. However, this story may not be worth revisiting unless something about country music and high school draws the reader back.
3. "Rat"
“Rat” revisits common themes of Stephen King’s personal experiences with writing and the world of publishing. It tells the story of Drew Larson, a struggling author who is waiting for his next big idea for a book. Larson resembles various King characters such as Jack Torrance in The Shining, as he is willing to go as far as possible to reap the benefits of publishing multiple novels. Ultimately, he comes to terms with the fact that he may only ever be a one hit wonder with a singular publication.
By ending If It Bleeds on this note, King forces the audience to face the gruesome truths of writing and trying to make it in the world as a writer. When ideas are few and far-between, many turn to an array of choices that lead to long-term disasters. As it is a common theme found in a multitude of his novels and short stories, “Rat” reads as a bit repetitive. While it does contain different elements from others like it, the core foundation of the short story is non-unique and tiresome. There are plenty of better stories he has written about struggling writers than this one.
2. "The Life Of Chuck"
The second short story in the collection is “The Life Of Chuck.” It is unlike any other King story, as it contains three short stories that interweave into one another through the progression. While the story continues onward for the reader, it regresses for the main character: Charles “Chuck” Krantz. It begins with Chuck's diagnosis of a brain tumor, and ends with his childhood. “The Life Of Chuck” is not the most coherent read but, out of all four of these stories, it is the most unique. While the first and second stories frame the third one, which features Chuck's illness, and rely heavily on the supernatural, the third part revolves around the tenderness of human nature.
Most of King’s popular novels do not necessarily highlight this portion of human behavior. It is more common that he deconstructs the negative aspects of humanity rather than the moments that revolve around love, tenderness, passion, and pleasure. While Chuck does die, his last moments are highlighted by the joys of youth and the curiosity of childhood. “The Life Of Chuck” lacks a hint of coherency, but it provides an unforgettable story that carries on even after closing the book.
1. "If It Bleeds"
The titular novella of the collection, “If It Bleeds”, follows a private investigator named Holly Gibney. This story serves as somewhat of a sequel to his 2018 novel, The Outsider, which has been adapted for TV by HBO. After Holly witnesses a news report on a middle school bombing, she notices that the news anchor Chet Ondowsky is not as human as he appears to be. As the story unfolds, she uncovers the dark history of Ondowsky and his ability to transform as an “outsider” to feed off of other’s torment as a result of mass murders and tragedies. Ultimately, Holly discovers that there is more to the history of these "outsiders" than was previously assumed.
Holly Gibney is one of King’s recurring characters, and can be found in the Bill Hodges trilogy: Mr. Mercedes (2014), Finders Keepers (2015), and End Of Watch (2016). While “If It Bleeds” can be read as an expansion on Stephen King’s multi-layered literary universe, it also works very well as a standalone story about Holly Gibney and her experiences with the supernatural. It is an exhilarating story from start to finish, and reveals the dark truth of people who thrive off of the misery of others. It is a complex story that hits on real-life fears of mass tragedies.
If It Bleeds is a nearly flawless collection of stories that expand the universe that Stephen King has created for his characters since the publication of his first book, Carrie, in 1973. Mentions of Castle Rock and Shawshank prison are trickled throughout the short stories, providing a unique and indescribably intricate depth to the characters and locations that are featured. Stephen King’s short stories and novellas collected in If It Bleeds are nothing short of masterful and showcase what makes him and his stories so timeless.