Firestarter (2022)

Firestarter (2022), an American sci-fi horror movie directed by Keith Thomas and written by Scott Teems, is an adaptation of the eponymous novel by Stephen King and a remake of the 1984 film. The story opens with a flashback to baby Charlie McGee in her crib, setting her room ablaze with her pyrokinesis abilities, causing her father Andy McGee to panic. Through the opening credits, we see a young Andy and Vicky participating in a clinical trial where they are injected with an experimental chemical called Lot-6, which unknowingly grants them supernatural powers. In the present day, Charlie confesses to her parents that she has been suppressing something troubling and her powers have become increasingly unstable. Her father comforts her as she unintentionally causes chaos at school by blowing up a bathroom stall in response to being bullied.

Andy demonstrates his special ability, known as “the push”, to persuade a client to quit smoking. However, this power takes a toll on him and causes his eyes to bleed. At the same time, Captain Hollister monitors thermal signatures caused by Charlie’s sudden outburst in a hidden facility called The Shop. Concerned about Charlie’s increasing powers, she meets with Doctor Joseph Wanless, the inventor of Lot-6 and its resulting superhumans, and urges him to eliminate Charlie before things get out of control. To assist with this mission, Captain Hollister calls upon John Rainbird, another superhuman. Rainbird goes to the McGee household where he confronts Vicky and her unconscious telekinetic abilities. Despite her attempt to resist him, Rainbird overpowers Vicky and kills her. Meanwhile, holding Charlie at knifepoint as they enter the house is Andy. In a fit of her uncontrollable powers, Charlie unleashes a powerful surge of flames throughout their home. Andy and Charlie manage to flee in their truck from the chaos that ensues.