Since such classics like 1979’s Alien (directed by Ridley Scott) and 1982’s The Thing (directed by John Carpenter), it seems as if the creature features have dwindled away. While the sub-genres popularity is not what it once was, in the world of the filmmaking Adams Family, creature features are not just a thing of the past, but alive and well.
Released on August 23, 2024 through Shudder, The Adams Family brings viewers their entry to the genre called Hell Hole. Written and directed by husband and wife John Adams and Toby Poser, the film was also written by them, along with their daughter Lulu Adams. One of several feature films they have worked on together in recent years, it is a follow up to well-known features such as 2021’s Hellbender, plus 2023’s Where the Devil Roams. Truly a work of passion for the Adams, with Hell Hole they introduce a new species to the screen.
In short, when a living French soldier from the Napoleonic campaign is unearthed in Serbia under an American led fracking crew, a parasitic monster is born. Now the question is – what is this creature, but moreover, where did it come from, plus how did it survive so long?
Though the Adams family remain highly regarded in the Horror community for films like 2019’s The Deeper You Dig, and the aforementioned Hellbender, Hell Hole does not seem to live up to expectations. Together, the film stars Olivera Perunicic (Subspecies V: Bloodrise 2023, The Ark 2024), Maximum Portman (The Hatred 2018, Where The Devil Roams 2023), but also Toby Poser (Rumblestrips 2013, Hellbender 2021) and John Adams (Knuckle Jack 2014, Hellbender 2021). There is no denying that The Adams Family have a knack for intriguing writing, but as alluded to, for whatever reason something is missing with Hell Hole. Co-written with Lulu Adams, while the foundation of Hell Hole is there, let us just say the execution falls short.
All this said, the one thing Hell Hole does have going for it is that it has all the blood, guts and gore that legendary features such as The Thing or Alien did not have. Yes, those features were pretty brutal, but Hell Hole is a whole different kind of brutal.
So, is it a Horror film? Yes, but honestly it should be considered more of a Horror Comedy. Featuring some decent acting from the likes of Toby Poser, among others, other high points is the steady pace, along with the music, created by John Adams. Known for regularly composing the soundtracks for The Adams Family films, John Adams incorporates a bit of Metal into Hell Hole, and it mixes in quite well.
Beyond this, the camera work and lighting are excellent, plus the creature itself is phenomenal. Speaking of which, this monster is truly disgusting, terrifying, and hands down the biggest highlight which makes Hell Hole worth the time. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Hell Hole 3 out of 5 Stars.
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