Hellbender (2021) User Reviews

Impressive, given its tiny budget.

[benjaminskylerhill · 6/10 · 10 March 2022]

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.

Family hobbies are awesome

[dcj2 · 5/10 · 10 March 2022]

On it's surface, it's a decent supernatural "coming of age" story of a young girl, raised in isolation by her doting mother, who slowly learns of her true nature. It's a slow burn, with steadily increased tension as the pacing ramps up to a suitably bloody and chilling close. Extremely nice camera work and visuals and decent acting, even with some fairly clunky dialog. The soundtrack - with songs performed by the characters - are impressively good for the genre. But the real standout aspect of this film is that the three female leads and one secondary male character are an actual family: The father, John Adams, wife Toby Poser, and daughters Zelda and Lulu Adams. John, Toby and Zelda are listed as writers/directors. John composed the songs which apparently Zelda and Toby performed (though I'm not certain on that part, it could have been dubbed). This is a real family effort, and they are to be admired for it. I can only imagine what fun this crew has making these movies, and hope they continue. They have a real knack for the genre, and are a lot of fun to watch.

This was rather unique and entertaining...

[paul_haakonsen · 6/10 · 26 February 2022]

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.

Food for Thought...

[Xstal · 7/10 · 1 January 2023]

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.

Full of fustrating teasers

[bmarchal · 6/10 · 10 March 2022]

That is a weird film.

Funnily, it looks like a rough sketch of something bigger to come, but that would never exist - a bigger feature film, or a series, something that would offer the space needed to develop the ideas the creative crew (all members of the same family it seems) only touch on during the brief moment of the movie.

The framework is very simple: it's the story of two outcasts lost in a space and a time they don't fit in. Graphically, the film is a joyride, really: many are the good, inventive ideas of cinema, great are often the way the camera moves, the pace, the editing, the settings.

Yet, Hellbender's plot is then full of holes.

The center of the film, the relationship between mother and daughter, is interesting, thanks also to the two actresses whose simple, almost blank acting contributes a lot to the alchemical mystery. However, it's also very fustrating to be given so little clues. The screenplay invite us viewers to share for a brief moment their geographical as well as cultural isolation, but without telling us too much. So ethereal and vaguely suggested are the whys and wherefores that in the end these two figures escape us completely - which might also be a good thing as it deepens even more their out-of-place, otherworldly idiosyncrasies. Fustration can be intellectually and emotionally fruitful, it's always a matter of balance between what is showed, what is hidden, what is intelligible, what stays puzzling.

And puzzling Hellbender is. The film could be compared to a tapestry, but the spotlight would only be focused on a couple of pieces of fabric; of the rest you'll know nothing; it lies in the shade only to materialise briefly in some occasional suggestive scenes one can take a glimpse of in the course of the story; these snipets of an aborted, more ambitious work are quite thrilling, really, but in the context of this very film as an object, that's only what they are: flourishes to drool over, never completely daring enter the heart the tale to make its pulse more vivid.

This reluctance to reveal the whole of the tapestry is really too bad. I don't disaprove ellipsis: it's fuel for the imagination, but Hellbender uses them in excess. I hope one day I'll eventually see these vain teasers give birth to that greater, more complete narrative thread they're calling for.

So much to like, and yet....

[jfgibson73 · 5/10 · 13 March 2022]

This movie had such a great setup. I was completely drawn in and invested in the lead character. The problem was that it felt like between the first few scenes and the ending, the writer was struggling for ideas. The story doesn't really move along. Then, when the final act begins, we jump ahead to a conclusion that didn't really get to develop. It feels more like a left turn; even though we are given hints that this is how it will turn out, the story doesn't logically connect the dots from here to there. I liked so much about this movie, with one standout being the awesome choice of songs. But in the end, the story let me down.

Quality indie horror film

[ashfordofficial · 6/10 · 6 March 2022]

"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-made garbage

[FeastMode · 3/10 · 7 May 2022]

This is a well-made movie from a technical perspective. Unfortunately it lacks intrigue, story and character development. There isn't enough substance to grasp onto and keep me invested. I was mostly bored. And the shock value stuff isn't enough to make this movie experience worthwhile. Luckily it's short. (1 viewing, 5/6/2022)

7.2/10. Recommended

[athanasiosze · 7/10 · 21 March 2022]

This is not a classic horror movie. I would describe it as "Coming of age/indie/art horror". If you want to have some mindless fun, people get killed by murderers or evil spirits, stay away. This is a classy, stylish movie, depicting the nature of evil, at least, some kind of supernatural evil. The actors are nearly excellent, natural performances, clever script, great cinematography and keep in mind that this is a low budget movie.

The ending is kinda brilliant and lazy simultaneously, i mean, i liked it, there is no ambiguity, everything is clear, however, it's like they finished the movie abruptly because they run out of money. Still it's brilliant though.

I like this movie very much. 7.2/10. But i think it's gonna be a polarizing movie. If you know what to expect, you will like it too.

Very decent effort

[Aria_Athena · 5/10 · 24 February 2022]

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.

Raise Some Hell

[thesar-2 · 8/10 · 8 March 2022]

This movie is weird, in more than one way.

It's weird that I would award it 8/10 stars when the movie is so oddly created. Some scenes are absolutely gorgeous and some are truly inventive. And some scenes were so badly shot and recorded (probably ADR,) I could not help but think of Birdemic: Shock & Terror. They were THAT badly shot and acted.

Same with the special effects. Some were truly outstanding and creative. And then some were I Am Legend-bad. This movie has so many flip-flops, it should've been filmed at a beach.

But, alas, it was shot in the GORGEOUS forest, which looks like the Pacific Northwest. They obviously had access to a drone, and there are no complaints here. The best shots in the movie were the outdoor wilderness shots. Well, except for some of the framing/acting of the men.

The movie's about an isolated Mother & Daughter until the "sick" Daughter stumbles upon neighboring friends and discovers why her mother's keeping her so secret and alone. She's quite dangerous, you see and the power's growing...to no one's favor.

The one deciding factor for me pushing this to 8/10 stars was the absolutely perfect soundtrack. I haven't heard something like this throughout since Garden State. And as I'm writing this, I'm listening to it online. This music is incredible. I might listen to it a few more times, but I'm seriously thinking this is one of my all-time favorites.

The movie borrows heavily from the 2016 movie Raw. While that movie was a better shot and tonally pleasing movie, this movie gets the edge since the majority of the movie looks great and those killer songs. Plus, the (actually real life) Mother & Daughter on screen have brilliant moments together.

It's just a shame there are some scenes so bad, it's like there was a guest director who wasn't privy to the rest of the story. I almost turned it off 5 minutes in because after a beautiful opening shot, we had a first semester/film student scene and I didn't think I could take a whole movie like that.

Luckily, that didn't last long and this ended up as a recommendation.

***

Final Thoughts: This and Raw really wouldn't be too bad of a double feature. I would watch H6llb6nd6r first, however. You'll thank me later. This is more of an experimental film while Raw is more polished and would be easier to end with.

Great witchy movie!!

[justiceme-43462 · 7/10 · 26 February 2022]

Usually movies where everyone is involved with everything aren't good.

Ex: the movies where the writer, director, producer, and main actor are all the same person.

This appears to be an exception to that rule

This is a movie that needs a bigger budget treatment. If mixed with some 60s or 70s European horror, it would have been an EASY 10.

THINK Suspiria. As I was watching I was getting those vibes. These people need more funds because they used minimalism and made it work. I'm hungry for more!! (but only the berries please)

If you want a minimalist witch movie with great music, this is it!

One of the worst movies I've ever watched

[furkanalbatros · 1/10 · 12 September 2022]

I've waited to watch this for 4 months and hoped at least for a decent plot. In the first half VFX bled my eyes, then kept watching for a mind-blowing twist or something, when it was over I was so embarrassed to my friends just for recommending it. It is disastrous, with poor production, poor script, and poor acting. They should have considered average make-up over bad VFX. And repeating oracle vision with effects that are cut out from punk rock music videos and lazy drone shots, like why would you use stop motion for grabbing key animation?

The plot could substitute visual problems, but it isn't. I wish I wasn't considering watching it, sorry 1 out of 10, nothing about this movie met my expectations.

or 8. good take on witchcraft/occult and the like.

[surfisfun · 7/10 · 26 February 2022]

The actress who play the mom is captivating in the range of emotions she displayed, the daughter was good too.

The movie move along well, the story interesting.

Just watched their previous effort The Deeper You Dig and i am very impressed by this familial cinematic artists.

Very recommended.

Hellbender has heart

[FilmsCanChangeTheWorld · 7/10 · 1 March 2022]

Hellbender is an authentic exploration of the shifting dynamics between a mother and teen daughter in a supernatural context. The genre's dominant tone was horror, while employing elements of a coming-of-age story and a pinch of fantasy. The horror aspects felt more stylistic than scary (for me at least) however it was the rich character's, beautifully performed, that forgave any tonal discrepancy.

These low budget independent films that are able to comfortably walk the tightrope between entertainment versus art while managing to pack an effective visual and subtle emotional punch deserve so much support. These are the types of expressive voices that really need to be heard. Worth a watch.

rich kid school project?

[tfp-15576 · 3/10 · 1 March 2022]

Was watching and wondered how did they get funding for this movie to make and distribute, must be some rich kid just got out of film school. When I cam to imdb saw that is exactly what has happened. Not absolutely terrible but everything feels disconnected and acting is poor. I wouldnt waste your time unless you are 15YR old goth who loves witchcraft and has a some great weed and are bored to death. Not good movie at all.

Very effective Indy horror

[lwalt-75058 · 7/10 · 26 February 2022]

I've seen this father/daughter team before. This was an excellent product. Very effective horror. Believable and spooky witchery. Talented musical score that added to the character development. They just got way better. Can't wait to see future efforts from them. Toby was great too.

Terrible on all fronts.

[JaePeklar · 1/10 · 27 March 2022]

Don't be suckered in by any reviews saying this movie was good. Terrible visual effects, terrible acting, terrible story with no direction, cringe dialogue. Just a really really bad movie.

Low-fi tale of witchcraft and family

[ShihoHiroshi · 6/10 · 21 March 2022]

Obviously shot on a low budget, but this family effort manages to creep up on you.

Great soundtrack and good acting performance by the (real life) mother and daughter duo manages to make this a story worth watching - if you manage to overlook its shortcomings.

a movie too cringe to be true

[pesto1pasta1 · 1/10 · 15 May 2022]

I watched in shock until the middle of the movie, the ridiculous camera shots and sound effects were so repulsive. And i continued watching after the middle of the movie because you know it can't be that ugly, i thought it would probably end well but it was hilarious i laughed of loud. So this is waste of time and. I hope the director gets another job.

Groovy Witchcraft Flick Made by a Real Life Family

[jjenk911 · 8/10 · 6 March 2022]

Zelda Adams (Izzy) and Toby Poser (Mother) star as mother and daughter in an isolated house somewhere in Upstate New York. Izzy is a lonely and isolated teenager who wants to go out, make some friends, but Mother is quite weary of it.

Why? She's a Hellbender. Not only is it their band name, Hellbender are powerful witches and Izzy isn't privvy to her power. Mother shows her the ways of their powers and, well...things go off the rails. If you're into movies about witchcraft, this is the movie for you. Low budget horror movie with some questionable CGI.

Not bad not great

[victorfernandes-58951 · 6/10 · 22 July 2022]

It kept my attention through the whole thing so it's not bad.

I just hope for more story.

It was original and acting was pretty good.

Better than most indie movies out there.

No, just no

[payupyou · 2/10 · 28 April 2022]

I gave two stars like one would give a "C" for effort. Otherwise no. Very predicable, very slow. Just because a film comes from what is termed "indie" doesn't grant licenses to release incoherent stories and be given a pass. I expect a modicum of coherency, fairly well written scripts, even the use of a story board to at least SEE what you're planning BEFORE executing.

No this one was poor on many levels. The subject matter and movie description is what drew me in and I stuck with it throughout as I am a committed student of horror type....but this one is a stinker.

I have to add how disappointed I was with this project/film - I am hoping we see a resurgence of the witchcraft movie subgenre as it can be quite entertaining. Lately though the pendulum swings and seems to drop one off at either end if you will - like The Witch on one end and Lords of Salem on the other and not really much betwixt. The re-release of The Craft was laughable and most of the other releases seem to pander to the teen crowd. Producers, their companies, and the group as a whole should realize their target market - teenies - are now in many cases in our late 50's to mid 60s - we're the ones that flocked to the drive ins decades ago. With that in mind we're looking for a little sophistication in the story.

Lest I digress - if you're that person in the room that just has to see everything you can get your hands on that is horror related then sure spend the time and watch this - I get it, I'm that guy too. Just be warned you're either going to get up and make soup while it's on or take a nap.

Enjoyed this one 7/10

[Toxicsportswear · 7/10 · 25 March 2023]

Watched without knowing anything about this film and was really impressed, found this film very unique and artist and very intersting from beginning to end. The acting was pretty solid and the story was really great. Plus I dug the music in this, it had a very original indie style to it, with some killer FX.

All around is feel like it was well executed and very polished, but there were some bits that could have used and tad more attention to make it a 10/10 but I feel a 7/10 is a decent reting for this film, very good watch and would definitely say its worth the watch.

Acting-8 Story-9 Execution-9 Music-10 Fx-9 Characters-8 Pacing-8.

Interesting supernatural horror

[miss_emmalicious · 7/10 · 2 May 2022]

This is a solid film. I think the performances are strong. The relationship between the mother & the daughter is very real, maybe because they are a real family but I particularly felt drawn to the storyline of a Mother, trying and maybe ultimately failing to lead her daughter towards a better idea of life.

The plot is based in witchcraft and mysticism. Most scenes are in the woods which lends its own atmosphere. It's a very creepy film! But ultimately the allegory is one of a coming of age story and an exploration of what becoming a woman means - whether witch or not!!