Film Review — Hellraiser (2022)
Horror reboot goes back to sadistic basics. ★★★☆☆
While not quite the twisted pleasure it could’ve been, David Bruckner’s confident reboot takes Hellraiser back to sadistic basics. A return to form for a series trapped in shit sequel purgatory for what seemed like an eternity.
Bruckner’s new vision pays homage to the first films but offers a fresh new take on Clive Baker’s horror classic. Beyond a slick modern production, the best new addition is Jamie Clayton’s Pinhead, a raspy and seductive new take on the character that Doug Bradley originally played with devilish delight.
The kinky leather stylings might be gone, but the iconic Hell Priest hasn’t been this intimidating in years.
But not all demons have been exorcised. The film’s bloated two-hour runtime gives us far too much plot and not enough horror. What we end up with is a somewhat tame experience, nowhere near the hellish nirvana promised by Pinhead and her horde of mutilated pleasure-seekers.
