The moment horror fans have been waiting all year for is finally arriving this week with the release of Hellraiser (2022). As with the original, the reboot is based on Clive Barker’s 1986 novella The Hellbound Heart. Barker, who directed the first film, returns as producer. Though the film has released promising trailers, fans have wondered if the eleventh installment will live up to the legacy of the first. While nothing will ever replace the brilliance and horror of the original 1987 film, Hellraiser (2022) is a terrifying and worthy return for our beloved Pinhead.
Our protagonist is Riley McKendry (Odessa A’zion), whose life is a mess due to drug addiction. After a falling out with her brother, Matt (Brandon Flynn), Riley comes across a familiar puzzle box while in a drug-induced haze. After cracking the code, her life goes from bad to mind-blowingly worse as she unleashes hell on earth.
Riley’s is the main story, but there is a fascinatingly brutal side plot involving a wealthy man named Roland Voight (Goran Višnjić). While the stories eventually come together as one, it shows a more in-depth side to the Hell Priest and Cenobites and their inability to separate pain from pleasure. The FX used on Goran Višnjić’s character is mind-bending, from his current, painful predicament we find him in to his final on-screen moments. Along with visually stunning special effects, Roland Voight’s arc adds mystery as the story unfolds. A prequel exploring his story would be interesting to see.
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The modern updates to the Hell Priest and Cenobites are incredibly effective and downright horrifying. From any angle and lighting, the bodysuits and special effects hold up. They are perhaps the scariest horror icons we have seen on the screen in years. The leather wardrobe is now replaced with head-to-toe exposed muscle, embellished with small accessories. The designs remain thoughtfully unique in look and style.
Although there was some controversy and doubt surrounding Jamie Clayton as Hell Priest, all of that nonsense should be quickly put to rest as soon as the character comes on-screen. Clayton carries the FX well and delivers the dialogue with an intimidating tone that won’t soon be forgotten. And, of course, what is a Hell Priest without an elaborate puzzle box? The cube was beautifully redesigned to deliver various versions of hell upon its victims.
While Odessa A’zion’s Riley is an unlikely final girl, she is one for the ages. A’zion plays the part with heavy emotion as her inside demons meet real demons. It’s refreshing to see this role written as a flawed individual who makes grave mistakes that won’t soon be forgiven. The intensity rarely lets up for A’zion, and she was up for the challenge.
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David Bruckner has again proven himself as a talented director with a gift for making compelling horror films. The concept behind Hellraiser (2022) was elaborate, especially when it comes to Roland Voight’s story and mansion. But it paid off as it was a well-executed film without being too complex or muddled. And, I applaud the writers’ (David S. Goyer, Ben Collins, and Luke Piotrowski) decision not to fill space with fan service but still adding a few quick nods for fans.
Hellraiser (2022) will stream on Hulu starting October 7, 2022.
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