Hellbender movie review & film summary (2022)
One of many causes is that they’re changing into stronger performers. In “Hellbender,” Zelda Adams is legitimately nice as Izzy, a younger girl who has been raised away from civilization. Mom, who by no means will get a reputation and is performed by Zelda’s mother and co-writer/co-director Toby Poser, has advised Izzy that she’s sick—as they are going to within the horror style for years to come back, isolation and sickness might replicate pandemic themes in case you so select. She by no means permits Izzy to depart their tree-shrouded house on the mountain, going into city for provides on her personal. In fact, Izzy is 16, and he or she’s beginning to get bored with being alone. She loves enjoying in a badass punk band together with her mother however desires to unfold her wings. A prologue with a witch being very exhausting to kill and another indicators of occult imagery makes it clear there’s extra occurring right here than a protecting mom.
The primary half of “Hellbender” echoes “Carrie” in its religion-tinged unpacking of a mom/daughter dynamic, however one of many issues I like concerning the Adams household is how they veer left simply whenever you assume what course they’re going. “Hellbender” initially feels very acquainted—one other story whereby feminine adolescence and one thing malevolent intersect—however then the Adams clan (which additionally contains Toby’s husband John and their different daughter Lulu, who additionally co-star) embrace their darker, punk rock aspect. Like “The Deeper You Dig,” “Hellbender” will get higher because it will get extra surreal, however this one has a pleasant stability to the out-there imagery in Zelda’s grounded, coming-of-age efficiency. I like the flicks she’s making together with her household, however I’d additionally actually wish to see what she might do with one other director too. She’s received the vary and potential.
So many DIY filmmakers are like pastiche artists, individuals who cobble collectively sequences and scripts from their favourite horror films. What separates the work of the Adams household is the sense that whereas they know their style, they’re by no means merely copying their predecessors. They’ve gone into the woods and are available again with one thing that undoubtedly matches within the legacy of what may very well be known as “witch horror” however can also be a movie that solely John, Toby, Lulu, and particularly Zelda might have made. That is the way you do it. I hope they return into the woods once more quickly.
On Shudder right this moment.
