By: Ryan Dailey
Hellraiser (2022) is a “re-imaging of the Clive Barker novella, The Hellbound Heart and the 1987 film, Hellraiser, which Barker wrote and directed that version of his prose. Like most fans of the genre, this reviewer was very skeptical about rebooting one of the most original and beloved horror properties of modern day. This film is a beacon of hope that the fans have needed since 2013, when we saw the release of the amazing The Evil Dead remake. Granted, both films had bigger budgets and were more extravagant than their predecessors, but they were crafted with the same amount of love and understanding of the material that Raimi and Barker had.
Both of these films feature flawed female leads, both of which start off flawed, surrounded by loved ones that want to see them get better and live a fuller life. Both of these protagonists find that their behaviors have consequences, costing the lives of those around them.
The plot runs parallels to the novella and the original film, yet remains its own beast.
Director David Brukner gives us the story of Riley (Odessa A’zion) is in rehab, struggling to rid herself of the monkey on her back. She finds herself at odds with her brother, his boyfriend and their roommate over her lifestyle, her brother especially affected by her choices. Riley’s unfavorable boyfriend Trevor (Drew Starkey) convinces her to help him break into a warehouse to sell whatever they find to steal, they find only The Lament Configuration, an item Riley becomes enamored with. Those who figure out the mystery of the strange cube immediately wish they had not. The completion of the puzzle summons Cenobites, sadistic harbingers of pain. Riley starts to lose the ones she loves to the Lament Configuration.
This plot point is a fantastic allegory to how she was losing her loved ones to her old addiction, drugs. Now, she is losing everyone around her due to her addiction to the puzzle box. Hellraiser (2022) is just as visceral as the first movie and finds a great balance of practical effects and CGI.
Jaimie Clayton plays The Hell Priest, filling in some very big shoes. The original was played by the great Doug Bradley, who cemented the character in the pantheon of horror movies. The actress does a more than applicable job, keeping the allure of the original while adding her own nuances to the caracter.
Hellraiser (2022) will not disappoint fans of the genre or Clive Barker fans in general.
Hellraiser (2022) is available to stream on HULU as of this review.