Horrors to Watch
Hellbender
Over the course of their eight-year filmmaking journey, the Adams family have continually refined their artistic and narrative sensibilities. With Hellbender, their sixth feature, confidence and creativity coalesce to create something that feels like a magical breakthrough. Following their 2020 supernatural thriller The Deeper You Dig, it appears the Adams have developed a penchant for horror - a perfect accompaniment to their signature low-budget, homegrown style. Although Hellbender incorporates many of the recurring motifs present in the Adams family’s work - such as dysfunctional family dynamics and references to John Adams’ former career as a punk musician - it is undoubtedly the most fully-realized project the family has undertaken to date. 16-year-old Izzy (Zelda Adams, the youngest daughter and co-director alongside John Adams and Toby Poser) has been warned from a young age by her mother (Poser) that the outside world will bring her nothing but harm due to her rare autoimmune disease. Izzy spends her days isolated and alone, with only the majestic landscape surrounding her mother's secluded mountain home providing her with any solace. Despite being forbidden to leave the property, Izzy and her mother have a strong bond, often engaging in playful affection and taking hikes through the lush forest on rainy days. Together, they form a punk rock band, Hellbender, donning outrageous makeup and playing tight, catchy songs for their own enjoyment. Every aspect of Hellbender is crafted by a small team of creatives, from the stunning cinematography of Zelda and John to the laid-back yet quirky costume design of Poser. The end result is a captivating exploration of two individuals and their isolated lives, as well as the fear of supernatural possession.
