Hillock Haunting

Wasn't expecting much after reading the critics reviews but it was free to watch on youtube so what the heck right. I was really surprised by how much I liked it. I didn't find it to be boring but intriguing. I have been dealing with demons for many years and this was realistic in the topic. I had several scares from it, and enjoyed the storyline throughout. I think most of all it encouraged me to fight against the evil forces that have been in my life. I think many of us have generational demons we need to deal with. It was a good watch for me. I saved it in my playlist on youtube to watch again with my friend.

Hillock Haunting is an indie horror film that leans heavily on mood and family drama rather than outright terror. The story follows a grieving man and his two daughters as they move into their late father's farm, only to encounter unsettling occurrences tied to the land. Director Ashley Hays Wright crafts a thick, foreboding atmosphere-rolling fog, creaking barns, and eerie animal sounds create a sense of isolation. Mike Cotton delivers a solid performance as the conflicted protagonist, and the dynamic between the daughters adds emotional weight. However, the horror elements are frustratingly sparse. While the film excels in slow tension, it never quite delivers a truly terrifying payoff. The climax feels rushed, and some plot threads are left unresolved. Fans of slow-burn, atmospheric horror might appreciate its tone, but those seeking jump scares or a gripping supernatural threat will be disappointed. Worth a watch for its visuals and mood, but not a standout in the genre.

While marketed as a horror film, Hillock Haunting feels more like a family drama with light supernatural elements. The story centers around a father and his daughters who inherit a remote farm, only to face mysterious happenings that may or may not be linked to their father's final wishes. The cinematography does a good job of capturing the rural isolation, and the performances, especially from the younger cast, are emotionally grounded. However, horror fans may be disappointed by the lack of scares and suspense. There's a mood of unease throughout, but it never truly escalates into anything terrifying. Still, the film offers a touching story about family bonds, responsibility, and the unseen weight of inheritance.

Hillock Haunting delivers a masterclass in slow-burn atmospheric horror that lingers long after the credits roll. Director Ashley Hays Wright crafts an unsettling rural nightmare where the family's grief becomes intertwined with the land's dark history. Mike Cotton delivers a powerfully restrained performance as the grieving son, while the two young actresses playing his daughters bring remarkable authenticity to their roles. The film's greatest strength lies in its sound design - every creaking floorboard and distant animal cry ratchets up the tension. While the pacing may test some viewers' patience, the payoff in the final act is worth the wait. The cinematography transforms the farm into a character itself, with wide shots emphasizing the family's isolation. This isn't jump-scare horror, but a deeply psychological exploration of inherited trauma that will appeal to fans of The Witch or Hereditary.

Hillock Haunting had the ingredients for a chilling rural horror story-a secluded farm, a mysterious inheritance, and an ominous atmosphere. Unfortunately, the film doesn't fully capitalize on its premise. The plot unfolds slowly, with much of the runtime spent on quiet character moments and family conversations. While these scenes add emotional depth, they also drag the pacing. The horror elements are far too restrained, with only brief moments of tension that never pay off. The cinematography is impressive and the acting is competent, but horror enthusiasts may walk away unsatisfied. It's a film that wants to be deep and scary, but ultimately lands in a middle ground that feels underwhelming.