what even makes you think a movie adaptation could improve on a written novel meant to freak us out?

i dunno, maybe the fact that hollywood can turn even the most seemingly unadaptable books into complete garbage and make millions off of it?

you're underestimating the potential of a well-executed adaptation. A skilled director can bring fresh visual interpretation and even enhance the creepy factor. Just look at how Kubrick's The Shining took the book to a whole new level of terror.