The Shining is a psychological horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on the 1977 novel of the same name by Stephen King. Jack Torrance, played by Jack Nicholson, is a struggling writer and recovering alcoholic who takes the job as caretaker of the remote Overlook Hotel in Colorado, hoping to find inspiration for his writing.
Jack, his wife Wendy (played by Shelley Duvall), and their son Danny (played by Danny Lloyd) arrive at the hotel shortly before it closes for the winter. During a tour of the hotel, the manager, Mr. Ullman, warns Jack about a previous caretaker who went mad and murdered his family before killing himself. He also explains how the Overlook has a dark history of violence and supernatural occurrences.
As the winter progresses, the family becomes increasingly isolated and Jack's mental state begins to deteriorate. Danny, who has the ability to communicate telepathically with others who have the same gift, begins to experience terrifying visions of the past and future. He also has a psychic connection with the hotel's head chef, Dick Hallorann, who warns him about the evil that dwells in the Overlook.
Jack's descent into madness is accelerated by the spirits that haunt the hotel, including the ghostly bartender and the beautiful woman in Room 237. He becomes increasingly erratic and violent, eventually turning on his family in a terrifying climax.
The Shining is known for its iconic scenes, including Jack's manic "Here's Johnny!" moment as he hacks through a door with an axe, and the eerie twins who invite Danny to "come play with us." The film is widely regarded as a classic of the horror genre, and has influenced countless other works in popular culture.