Review of Hell Hole from Fantasia International Film Festival
Hell Hole premieres on Shudder August 23. This review is based on a screening at the 2024 Fantasia International Film Festival.
The Adams Family has built a solid reputation in the horror genre, and with their latest film Hell Hole, they continue to showcase their creativity and dedication to the craft. Despite being a transitional film for them, Hell Hole stands out with its unique blend of styles and unconventional characters, making it more than just your average creature feature.
The Adams Family’s Filmmaking Process
Known for their DIY approach to filmmaking, Toby Poser and the Adamses have honed their skills on projects like The Deeper You Dig and Hellbender. With Hell Hole, they stepped into new territory by working with a professional crew, artificial lighting, and a traditional screenplay. The results may be a bit uneven at times, but they are never dull.
Older sister Lulu’s involvement in co-writing the screenplay adds depth to the story, while Poser and John’s on-screen presence as obnoxious Americans adds a layer of cleverness, mirroring the real-life circumstances of the film’s production in Serbia. This dynamic between the characters and the setting adds to the overall charm of Hell Hole.
The Characters and the Gore
Poser’s character, Emily, brings a refreshing complexity to the film, with her journey from a nature-loving activist to a cynical polluter showcasing the depth of her character. The movie’s monster element, reminiscent of classics like Alien and The Thing, delivers the expected gross-out moments, thanks to the special effects work of Todd Masters.
One of the standout moments in Hell Hole is the discovery of a soldier from Napoleon’s army, preserved in a blue membrane for over 200 years. This unexpected twist adds a feminist spin to the parasite concept, although the execution may be a bit too graphic for some viewers.
Experimental Filmmaking
Despite its occasional tonal shifts and rough transitions, Hell Hole is a testament to the Adams Family’s willingness to push boundaries and try new things. As they head back to their familiar grounds in the Catskills for their next project, it remains to be seen if they will revisit Serbia for future films. One thing is certain – the Adams Family’s films will always offer something unique and thought-provoking.
“Hell Hole has more personality than your average creature feature.”