Hellraiser (2022) Review

 

A former drug addict must confront a sadistic, supernatural group of beings behind a dangerous mysterious puzzle box when her brother disappears.

Writers Ben Collins, Luke Piotrowski and David S. Goyer offer an intriguing reboot, reinterpretation of Clive Barkers Hellbound Heart delivering a remake of sorts of 1987’s Hellraiser. Director David Bruckner offers a high value looking production, thankfully this is not another direct-to-video instalment.

The pace of the first act allows breathing space to build up the story; with a payoff introduction to the androgynous Priest (Pinhead) fittingly cast and wonderfully played by Jamie Clayton.

The cast are solid enough, from likeable Adam Faison’s Colin; to the excellent Centobites; in unsavoury Barker fashion the rest of the characters including lead Odessa A’zion as Riley, a recovering drug addict, are pretty flawed. Although Clayton and Goran Visnjic’s unscrupulous Roland Voight have limited screen time —- both are notable. Hiam Abbass as Serena Menaker is memorable as Voights lawyer. The supporting cast do a good job including Riley’s brother played by Brandon Flynn, Aoife Hinds as Nora and Drew Starkey as Riley’s bad boy boyfriend Trevor. 

The effects, music, props and sets are first rate. With striking makeup and organic-like costume design the Cenobites: Weeper, Asphyx, Gasp, Masque along with Chatterer; and Clayton’s Pinhead steal the show. A’zion holds center court even if not a stereotype lead.

Things become more nightmarish in the third act with echoes of Hellraiser II, a touch of III and a welcomed twist in the tale. To Bruckner’s and the story writers credit it really tries hard to start a fresh while giving viewers the Hallraiser feel. Some standout practical special effects, Eli Born’s cinematography coupled with Ben Lovett’s score seal the deal.

Without making comparisons to the original theatrical films there’s enough sex, hooks & chains and bloody horror to reignite the franchise for a modern audience, old fans and/or complete new comers.

Overall, a sequel beckons even if to expand the universe and the backstories of the Cenobites as they have such sights to show you. Recommended.