Fantasia Film Festival 2021: HELLBENDER

It isn’t an easy feat for an occult story to feel inventive. As a subgenre of horror that’s lived on for many decades, there’s usually a sense of regurgitation – if not slightly new themes- that can make it worthwhile. I was pleasantly surprised by how much Hellbender created its own stamp on the subgenre while also taking inspiration from films of the past. This led to a twisting, trippy (at times), and complex mother/daughter relationship that is certain to leave a lasting mark. I finished the film really impressed and also truly excited for what this filmmaking family has up their sleeves next.

Punk Rock Meets Heavy Horror

The Adam’s Family (John Adams, Zelda Adams, and Toby Poser) are quite a remarkable team. Not only does this family co-write and direct their visions for the screen, but they also act, edit, do the cinematography and create the soundtrack. The amount of talent and detail necessary for such an ambitious undertaking is inspiring to say the least.

Within the Catskills, daughter Izzy (Zelda Adams) and her mother (Toby Poser) reside off the grid, keeping to themselves and living off the vegetation of the land. From the very beginning, it’s obvious that this isn’t a normal familial relationship, especially as we learn that Izzy isn’t allowed off their land and has never mingled with others. At the start, she thinks she suffers from a disease that prohibits her from doing so. In reality, it’s something much more sinister that prevents her mother from letting her run free.

Their bonding time includes playing music together (decked in full punk rock garb), to eventually, as Izzy realizes her power, bonding of their shared abilities. This comprises of, in essence, getting filled with power by feasting on different living creatures. Yep, there is a maggot scene. It is something so random that is sure to ignite some “yucks” from viewers, but something that I loved. One of the many things that I appreciate about Hellbender was its real commitment to the genre, and while that includes some discomforting imagery, it also screams imagination; an element important when making horror, and something deeply needed. As you watch you can tell that they had fun making this, which as a film nut, also makes me happy.

When Izzy meets a girl her age, Amber (also an Adams! Lulu Adams) things quickly begin to shift as her reality becomes wider, leading to several realizations about her identity, her history, and the world around her. Hellbender is also an intriguing coming-of-age story. Yes, she’s a young girl unsure of her roots, but she’s also an immensely powerful and dangerous one who is about to learn how much she can really do. It’s exhilarating at times watching Izzy become what she is truly meant to be, while also suspenseful as we see her mother witness the same.

At times some of the special effects don’t quite land (mostly at the end of the film) but the practical effects and the genuine chemistry between our two leads make for a female-driven story that effectively entrances its viewers. I thought there were a few places where the stylistic decisions were too much (and not necessarily providing anything) but I found myself gripped from beginning to end, curious to see just how far these characters would stray.

Conclusion: Hellbender

Undeniably cool in both the scope of this talented family and the overall tone that it plays with, Hellbender is a dark, witchy tale that’s uniquely compelling. This is a coming-of-age story and a familial exercise that I guarantee you have not seen before.

Hellbender premiered at Fantasia Film Festival.