Though King’s novel and Kubrick’s film adaptation depart in some significant details, they share the same premise. Jack Torrance, a would-be professional writer, takes on a job as the winter caretaker of the sprawling Overlook Hotel in the Colorado mountains. His wife Wendy and son Danny accompany him for the season, the child exhibiting a psychic power called “the shining.” Hotel chef Dick Hallorann also possesses psychic powers, and offers advice to the youngster about managing his unusual abilities.