Doctor Sleep (2019)

While *Doctor Sleep* might initially seem like a straightforward horror film, its deep immersion in the supernatural and the exploration of psychic abilities firmly place it within the realm of fantasy cinema. The narrative centers around Dan Torrance, who possesses the "shining," a psychic gift that allows him to communicate with the dead, project his consciousness, and experience the residual energies of places and people. This inherent psychic power, a cornerstone of the fantasy genre, is not merely a plot device but is integral to his character arc and the very fabric of the story. Furthermore, the film introduces the True Knot, a group of antagonists who also wield supernatural abilities, feeding on the "steam" of young shining children to prolong their lives. Their vampiric existence and mastery of mental manipulation, achieved through extraordinary means, push the boundaries of reality and delve into the fantastical. Beyond the individual manifestations of psychic powers, *Doctor Sleep* explores the nature of spiritual energy and the afterlife in a way that transcends conventional horror. The lingering presences of spirits, the ability to commune with them, and the exploration of how these entities interact with the living world all point to a deeper, more mystical reality. The film’s visual language often emphasizes this otherworldly aspect, from the haunting apparitions to the ethereal realms Dan sometimes visits. Ultimately, the story's engagement with these extraordinary phenomena, the potent psychic abilities of its characters, and the exploration of a reality interwoven with the spiritual and supernatural make *Doctor Sleep* a compelling and worthy addition to any list of best fantasy movies, offering a dark and mature interpretation of these fantastical elements.