Hellbender is an intense and interesting thriller with a lot of unique elements that come together to create something really good.
Hellbender is a very unique coming of age story because it is combined with an occult horror, and a lot of really intense and heart-pounding moments. the two lead actresses shine in this film, and help to bring it to life. It is because of them that it really works as well as it does.
This movie takes place in the Catskills mountains where Izzy (Zelda Adams), a homeschooled teenager, lives alone with her mother (Toby Adams). She has been told all her life that she is sick so she cannot be around others, however the truth is far more frightening. As she grows more and more curious she learns all about her family history, and things get dark and twisted.
What Works With Hellbender
There is a lot of things that go into Hellbender that make it work so well. The fact that it focuses on the coming of age story of a young girl, combined with well done blood and gore effects, edge of your seat suspenseful moments, and some really great music choices, was a smart choice. Telling this story through Izzy’s eyes to start, and then her mother’s at the end, helps to make it more believable, and it is interesting to see both sides of it.
For a low budget film, the special effects are actually done really well, and don’t ever pull viewers out of the story. The cinematography, as well as the cuts and editing, should applauded too, as they really make this movie what it is.
However, the main standouts here and the lead actresses. They are both so great in their roles, and clearly fully embrace them. They have a lot of chemistry too, which makes the story believable and intriguing, and hard to look away from.
There are a few jump scares in here too, that are perfectly placed inside the thriller. And that ending — well — let’s just say it leaves things open for a sequel, that I would happily watch.
What Doesn’t Work With Hellbender
There is not much that doesn’t work with Hellbender, but it should be mentioned that the supporting characters almost all fall a bit flat. Perhaps this is a testament to just how good the leads are, that the easily outshine the rest of the cast.
For a movie that is under an hour and a half it should never drag, but Hellbender does. Not too much to make it unwatchable by any means, but it is a slow start, and an even slower segment towards the middle. However, once Izzy starts discovering things and expressing herself, it picks up and goes full force right through to the end.
Overall Thoughts
Hellbender is part coming of age story, part horror, part thriller, and all comes into something that works far better than ever can be expected. The cinematography, the blood and gore, and the two leads, mixed with the edge of your seat intense moments create a really fun and captivating movie.
About Hellbender
Teenager Izzy (Zelda Adams) lives a lonely life with her mother (Toby Adams), their house isolated deep in the Catskill Mountains. That scenic seclusion is no accident. Her mother has gone through enormous efforts to keep Izzy largely away from people since she was five. For her own protection, and perhaps for that of others.
They spend their days being each others’ best friends, teaching one another and making music in their two-piece rock band, H6LLB6ND6R. As Izzy begins to grow more into herself, she starts venturing into town, spending time with other people, and a sharp thirst for deeper knowledge is stirred. Knowledge of self, and also of her family’s mysterious history… with witchcraft.
Hellbender played at the 2021 Fantasia Film Festival.