Hellbender - Growing Up Is Hell

Hellbender is a micro budget horror film that is the very definition of a mixed bag, and most of this stems from the fact that the filmmakers reached far beyond what their budget permitted.

The performances range from great to terrible. The cinematography ranges from competent to atrocious. The editing ranges from effective to irritating. The dialogue ranges from emotionally resonant to laughably stupid. And, the visual effects range from extremely convincing to embarrassingly unconvincing.

Still, what keeps this movie elevated above its low-budget flaws is its story. It's tragic and it's executed in a way that I haven't seen before. And that alone is something worth praising from the rooftops.

Aside from some character motivations that were too muddled and confusing, I loved the two lead characters and how they were portrayed. This is a coming-of-age story that concludes in the exact opposite way that one would traditionally expect: with every parent's worst nightmare.

There is a great deal about Hellbender that does not work, but there is just a bit more that does. And the climactic final scene legitimately gave me chills.

I love supporting tiny indie films. Go watch it if you can.

"It's all in the pumping blood"

A low budget independent quality horror film by the Adams family. I loved the visuals, cinematography, atmospheric setting, elevated music and a well defined sound. I'm impressed by how they showed many meteorological seasons flawlessly and believable explanations for the secrets of witches and dark magic.

It's such a shame that indie horror films like this struggle to find proper budget they deserve. Imagine the possibilities if this film had a decent budget for VFX.

Well this was certainly something else.

I was not familiar with the 2021 horror movie "Hellbender" from writers John Adams, Zelda Adams and Toby Poser before now in 2022, as I had the opportunity to sit down and watch it. So I wasn't sure what I was in for here, and thus I had no expectations.

What drew me in to watch "Hellbender" was the fact that the movie had a nice title and also the fact that it was a horror movie that I hadn't yet seen.

And color me impressed. While "Hellbender" certainly is not a movie that will be likely to please everyone in the audience, then I must say that I was genuinely entertained by the movie. I like the bizarre atmosphere and strange storyline that drew the movie, and it was certainly a welcomed step away from the mainstream horror movies.

While "Hellbender" is labeled as a horror movie, this is not the type of horror that will scare you or is throwing one jump scare at you again and again, nay, it is a more deep and profound type of horror. You know, where the horror is brooding underneath the surface, hinting at something grander and way more malign than we ever get to experience in the movie. And it worked, because directors John Adams, Zelda Adams and Toby Poser brought the movie to life in a very fulfilling and enjoyable manner, where we as the audience are taken along for a ride of the occult, obscure, bizarre and disturbing.

There is not a huge cast ensemble in "Hellbender", but the actresses and actors in the movie were so phenomenally well-cast for their roles and characters, and put on great performances in bringing the characters and story to life on the screen. Especially Zelda Adams (playing Izzy) and Toby Poser (playing Mother) were exceptionally great in the leading roles.

Visually then "Hellbender" is not your typical horror movie. There is not an abundance of special effects and CGI in this movie, but the special effects are there, and it is all about presentation and getting it to showcase what it needs to do. And the special effects certainly do that in "Hellbender". And that is definitely a thing that works well in favor of the movie.

While "Hellbender" is not a crowd-pleaser, this is a movie that will find appeal with some viewers and disdain with others. But if you enjoy supernatural horror that is story-driven and brooding in atmosphere, then you most certainly should give "Hellbender" a chance.

My rating of "Hellbender" lands on a six out of ten stars.

For years you've been taught one thing from your mother, that your condition means you can't be around others, you've been hidden far away, a two girl band you like to play, in the woods where you've behaved and been no bother. As you grow older you sense changes happening, you make some friends and they seem really interesting, until they make you twist and squirm, after swallowing a worm, then life becomes a bit more challenging (and rewarding depending on your perspective).

Well made and well performed, as Izzy discovers all is not what she had been led to believe and new opportunities are opened to her once she changes her diet.

An indie movie made by a family, which held my interest throughout. Well shot at some places, not so much at others, but overall it looks much better than most small production horror movies you may come across. This was not the amateur hour I've come to expect from similar films. Surprisingly enough, the acting was probably the best part of it. Also enjoyed the music, which was kinda edgy, but just enough. Added a lot of character to the film.

Don't expect a great movie, or even a good one, but it certainly exceeded my expectations and was good for what it was.