Hellbender (2022) spoiler free review

After being originally released on August 14, 2021 in the Fantasia International Film Festival in Canada the film is available to stream on Shudder and AMC+. The film was nominated for Best Actress (Zelda Adams), Best Motion Picture Score (John Adams), and Best Film winning the first two on the festival. After receiving a positive response from the critics the horror streaming service Shudder became the distributor.

A teen and her mother live simply in a home in the woods, spending their time making metal music. A chance encounter with a fellow teen causes her to uncover a connection between her family and witchcraft, which causes a rift with her mother.

Official plot

The film starts Zelda Adams as Izzy and Toby Poser as Mother. This real mother and daughter duo worked on the film under the direction of John Adams, Toby’s husband and Zelda’s father. The story is credited as being written by the trio.

My opinion

The film as a duration of one hour and twenty minutes but definitely it feels a little bit longer since is a slow burn. But a totally worth it one. The story can be simple but is able to emerge you leaving you wanting more. Almost the whole film takes place on the mountains which gives a beautiful background to the scenes.

The film never hides the witchcraft factor, even on the trailer is obviously seen, making you know from the start in what are you getting yourself into. An intriguing story with a shocking ending scene that everyone should give a chance. The special effects are not the best but it doesn’t take away the magic of the film. Blood and power will try to overcome and break this mother-daughter relationship.