Movie Review: “Hellbender” Is A Creative Witch-Centric Family Affair

HELLBENDER (R)

“Hellbender” Is A Creative Witch-Centric Family Affair

– By Adam Mast –

Starting on February 24th, genre fans are going to be treated to a very special little genre picture called “Hellbender” as this much-buzzed-about movie will finally make its debut on the streaming service Shudder following a very successful film festival run. In fact, a very lucky St. George audience was fortunate enough to see “Hellbender” on the big screen as it served as the opening night film at the HorrorFest International Film Festival this past October. It should also be noted that “Hellbender” went on to win best-of-fest and acting honors at this same genre festival. Now, everyone can see what all the buzz is about.

This creative, thrifty, and immensely entertaining witch-centric coming-of-age story weaves its tale around Izzy (Zelda Adams), a teenager with a gift. This loaner of a teen spends most of her time rocking out with her hip, adoring, and slightly mysterious mother (Toby Poser), but as the days go on, Izzy becomes more and more aware of said gift and before long, certain revelations suggest that, perhaps, there’s more to her than meets the eye.

As a teenager discovering her true identity and attempting to fully embrace it, a wonderful Zelda Adams hits all the right notes, particularly in the final act. Likewise, Poser is outstanding as a mother who always has her daughter’s best interests at heart. Together, Adams and Poser bring the magic which is of great benefit to “Hellbender” because for all its horror elements, for all its dark humor, and for its central theme of identity, this is, first and foremost, a mother/daughter story. Therefore, it was probably helpful during filming that Poser and Adams are mother and daughter in real life.

In fact, “Hellbender” as a whole is a full-on family affair. Both Zelda and Toby put this film together alongside John Adams (who also makes a memorable cameo in the film) with an assist by Lulu Adams who appears as a teen Izzy befriends along her journey of self-discovery. No matter how dark or how offbeat the proceedings get, that sense of family can be felt throughout.

It should also be noted that the Adams family make films on the cheap and on their own terms but that certainly isn’t to imply that “Hellbender” feels cheap. Far from it. As mentioned previously, from a technical standpoint this is a very creative film and it bristles with a cheeky if a tad dark sense of humor. Look no further than the closing moments of the movie in which a final exchange between mother and daughter serves as the perfect ending to this rock n’ roll-tinged gem of a horror movie.

The Adams Family are good people and as it happens, they’ve made a fantastic movie in “Hellbender,” particularly if you’re a genre fan. Be sure to give it a watch when it drops on Shudder on February 24th.

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