Hell Hole review: A gory, goopy parasitic rampage hindered by poor pacing

Hell Hole review: A gory, goopy parasitic rampage hindered by poor pacing

As a seasoned horror fan who’s been through countless nights of sleepless terror thanks to the genre, I must confess that “Hell Hole” left me with a peculiar mix of feelings. On one hand, the practical effects were truly commendable, and the parasitic monster was a grotesque delight that made every appearance feel like a twisted treat. The creature’s design was unique, and the gory moments it graced were undeniably visceral.


In their latest film, The Adams Family embarks on a new adventure, this time set in the untamed Serbian wilderness. Here, a fracking company unintentionally drills into a long-buried Frenchman who happens to be host to a terrifying parasitic creature. The narrative unfolds as a chilling tale reminiscent of The Thing, where this parasite wreaks havoc among the crew, hunting for a new host.

The unfolding scenes of destructive parasitic activity are too spaced out for my preference, alternating with extended discussions among characters who seem to be merely debating the crew’s predicament and contemplating solutions without taking decisive action. However, the instances when the parasite manifests—either dramatically bursting out of someone, leaving a gory trail of internal organs behind, or slithering its tentacles from a person’s mouth—are undeniably the most captivating moments.

In simpler terms, the characters didn’t grab me, and many of their conversations seemed more like the filmmakers trying to include humorous exchanges rather than advancing the plot. Some might find the humor amusing, but I prefer a different type, as the excessive use of crude jokes wasn’t appealing to me, even though I can understand the movie’s unique, dark twist that makes its monstrous antagonist stand out from similar genre pieces.

Hell Hole review: A gory, goopy parasitic rampage hindered by poor pacing

Occasions when the film “Hell Hole” employs Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) could use some improvement, but I must acknowledge the effort and skill of the team in their practical effects. The monster they created was genuinely terrifying in a unique way, so the extended periods without it seemed even more noticeable.

“Another notable aspect of ‘Hell Hole’ is its chic and effortless transition scenes, reminiscent of The Addams Family’s musical heritage. Infusing these unique touches into the movie adds a daring and imaginative flair, helping to intensify the overall atmosphere.”

For many viewers, they’ll quickly decide if this ‘creature feature’ is for them within the first half hour. Fortunately, running at just 90 minutes, it avoids overstaying its welcome; however, I found myself wanting it to be a tad shorter. This could have been achieved with improved pacing, which I believe would have made the film feel more concise and impactful. Upon reflection, Hell Hole contains numerous deaths and disturbing creature violence, but the slow intervals between these intense moments make the movie seem longer and less effective than it could be.

Essentially, “Hell Hole” is a B-movie featuring rock ‘n’ roll music, starring an octopus-like devilish creature slithering into various soft, surprising openings – if that appeals to you, it might be worth watching. Although it didn’t quite hit all the marks for me, I admire The Adams Family’s knack for reinventing themselves in each film, much like the creature adapts to new subgenres with ease.

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2024-08-24 20:25

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