Stephen King’s Netflix Movie Mr. Harrigan’s Phone is Getting a Resurgence

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It’s hard to believe it’s been over a year since Donald Sutherland passed away. He was a truly remarkable actor, known for his powerful and memorable presence on screen – he could be both intimidating and kind. While his incredible talent will be remembered for years to come, one of his last roles didn’t get the attention it deserved, quietly debuting on Netflix in late 2022.

While Mr. Harrigan’s Phone, adapted from a Stephen King story, isn’t a standout film, it was likely overlooked upon its initial streaming release for a reason. However, it’s worth watching for fans of Donald Sutherland, as it showcases his talent and serves as a poignant reminder of his acting abilities.

Donald Sutherland Shines in Mr. Harrigan’s Phone

Hollywood has consistently turned to Stephen King for content, and last year was no exception. Several of his popular stories were adapted into films like The Running Man, The Life of Chuck, and The Long Walk, while streaming services released IT: Welcome to Derry and The Institute. This trend continues a pattern of King’s work being frequently adapted for the screen, with recent examples including HBO Max’s Salem’s Lot, Apple TV+’s Lisey’s Story, and Netflix’s Mr. Harrigan’s Phone – though some of these adaptations have been less publicized.

It’s not surprising the film adaptation of Mr. Harrigan’s Phone received a rather muted reaction. Critics and viewers weren’t particularly impressed – it currently has a 47% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 50% audience score. While the movie’s slow pace and serious tone didn’t quite capture the creepy feeling of the original story, Donald Sutherland’s performance as Mr. Harrigan is a standout and deserves to be highlighted.

Donald Sutherland, playing Mr. Harrigan, a lonely and wary retired businessman, delivers a performance that’s both intimidating and surprisingly gentle. The film quickly establishes that this man, once powerful and potentially frightening, still carries echoes of a ruthless past, requiring the audience to understand how he commanded respect – and fear – in his earlier years.

What really struck me was how Donald Sutherland manages to portray a character who, despite being a bit of a loner and grump, still allows a genuinely kind kid, Craig (Jaeden Martell), to see the good in him. It’s a beautiful foundation for their unexpected friendship, and honestly, it’s a surprisingly heartwarming dynamic to watch unfold. Sutherland tackles this complex role with the skill and energy you’d expect from a veteran actor – he absolutely owns it.

As a movie fan, I always appreciate seeing actors really fit a role, and Donald Sutherland absolutely nails this one. It’s a fantastic part that lets him show off everything he does well – that quiet intelligence, that commanding presence he has, but also a surprising sweetness and vulnerability. Honestly, the best part of the film is the genuinely touching relationship he builds with Jaeden Martell. You really feel his absence when his character leaves, especially as the movie gets darker in its second half.

Donald Sutherland is Gone But Certainly Not Forgotten in Netflix’s Mr. Harrigan’s Phone

Donald Sutherland’s death is a significant loss for the film Mr. Harrigan’s Phone, especially in terms of audience interest. However, his powerful performance still strongly resonates throughout the movie. In many ways, his character’s presence even after death mirrors Sutherland’s lasting impact on cinema, demonstrated by his impressive body of work. Though he is sadly gone, it’s clear that Donald Sutherland will not be forgotten, even a year later.

The veteran actor brings a remarkable sense of dignity and weight to his supporting role. Despite limited screen time and often appearing in only one setting, Donald Sutherland commands attention. He’s always been skilled at conveying a lot with minimal effort, and in what may be one of his last performances, he masterfully uses every moment to elevate every scene he’s in.

While Mr. Harrigan’s Phone isn’t likely to be Donald Sutherland’s most famous role, his career boasts many iconic performances. He’s known for classics like Klute, Don’t Look Now, Animal House, Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978), Ordinary People, The Dirty Dozen, MASH, JFK, and the 2005 version of Pride & Prejudice. He also delivered memorable performances in films like A Time to Kill, Space Cowboys, Cold Mountain, and The Italian Job (2003). Notably, Sutherland gave a fantastic, yet often overlooked, performance in Ad Astra* near the end of his career.

While Mr. Harrigan’s Phone might not be a perfect film – it’s slow-paced, the story is a bit weak, and it closely follows Stephen King’s original short story, perhaps too closely – it’s still worth watching for Donald Sutherland’s fans. It showcases his talent beautifully in one of his final roles, and he truly fits the character. Ultimately, seeing it as a final tribute to a beloved actor makes it a surprisingly touching experience.

Netflix’s Mr. Harrigan’s Phone Recalls Donald Sutherland’s Many Strengths

While Mr. Harrigan’s Phone wasn’t the last project Donald Sutherland completed, he went on to play judges in both Miranda’s Victim and the Paramount+ series Lawmen: Bass Reeves. He also provided voice work for the animated film Ozi: Voice of the Forest, playing an albino crocodile. It’s hard to say how good these later projects were, but his performance in the Netflix adaptation of Stephen King’s story feels like a fitting farewell to the veteran actor.

Donald Sutherland, as Mr. Harrigan, demonstrated his remarkable ability to captivate audiences, even with limited movement and mostly sitting down. The role wasn’t showy, but Sutherland’s talent shone through, bringing a quiet intensity and deep emotion to the character – qualities that made him such a compelling actor. He was a true master, consistently delivering memorable performances.

In this poignant, likely final performance, Donald Sutherland showed just how much depth and emotion he could bring to a character. The role explores what happens after death – or the possibility of life continuing – and is surprisingly full of energy. Thankfully, Sutherland delivered a fully committed performance, and it’s a film everyone should see.

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2026-03-27 23:08