By Cameron Enzor
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 10/8/22 – Director David Bruckner (VHS & The Lighthouse) takes the torch on Clive Barker’s classic horror mythology, Hellraiser (1987).
In an era fueled by Sequels, Prequels, & Reboots, comes a Requel. A modern adaption of Clive Barkers original classic (Based on his original novella, ‘The Hellbound Heart’) that lifts its weight by carrying the household name, rather than a pure substance of its own.
Following a young cast of characters entrapped within the presence of The Lament Configuration (The Cenobites’ puzzle box/Hellraiser’s prominent trademark) they are thrown into a sinister journey inflamed by demons (angels to some) from our physical world, as well as the dimensions beyond.
With predictable formulas and a lack of identity, it is something that shouldn’t shame the writers, but the studios primarily. Having an idea of the politics that shroud the industry, it’s sadly something to take into consideration when reviving a franchise for our modern generation. It is important to note that with these factors in place, to not watch the movie with an intention of stimulation, but a desire for entertainment.
Through the film, you can see so much passion and enjoyment that come from everybody’s performances on and off screen. So much enthusiasm that you can’t help but respect the work they put into its execution.
While this movie isn’t about besting the original, it shows that it is more of a playful ode to Barker’s imagination, as well as the vast community that the Hellraiser franchise has grown over the decades.
Hellraiser (2022) is now streaming on Hulu+!