‘Behind the Monsters’ Recap: ‘Pinhead’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season finale of ‘Behind the Monsters’.
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One particular concept that strikes complete and utter terror into all of us at some point during our lives… is Hell. Because the thought of a portion of afterlife, solely existing to torture and punish us for our transgressions really is a chilling thought. One that is further enhanced by the demons and monsters and living nightmares that are supposed to populate that landscape and this concept is so impactful with its imagery, that some fear Hell for the entirety of their lives. Which is a scary reality that should make everything about Hell as disgusting as possible, to the point where no element of it should ever be celebrated. But wouldn’t you know it? The creation of a Hellbound horror icon made Hell chic after all and that exact icon served as the focus of the season finale of the Shudder series, Behind the Monsters.

For ‘Pinhead’ spotlighted the one demon that managed to captivate the world in a positive light, and as it turns out, his rise to horror icon was perhaps far simpler than some of the icons this season has featured, largely because of the fact that his stories were about as original as they get. Because every single entry in the Hellraiser franchise takes the time to try something new plot wise and examine aspects of evil that few other horror stories will, and that last element is a huge deal. Since so many filmmakers avoid stories about Hell for fundamental religious and moral reasons. But these movies don’t shy away from that in the slightest and that kind of bravery really does compel a viewer to complete the journey and see what the story has to say and the wonder of these movies doesn’t end there.

Because this is a series of films that quite frankly, dabbles deep into what could be considered to be taboo subject matter. Since sexuality and moral ambiguity is put on full display in these movies, which some might say makes them perverse curiosities. When in fact, it actually allows for the audience to connect with these stories on a level they never knew possible. Since the taboo crosses our minds in private now and again and being face to face with a demon that demands for its characters to explore such matters, brings those thoughts to the forefront of our minds and reminds us that curiosity isn’t a bad thing by any means. It’s only problematic when we indulge the wrong ones and that really does make these movies quite special since there aren’t any other horror stories out there that connect with the audience on such a fundamental level.

However, while it is wonderful to know that this franchise ignites our curiosity, what truly allows for this series to remain beloved after all these years is its long-standing star. For Doug Bradley embraced this role completely and with Clive Barker’s help, was able to create a creature that wasn’t a pure nightmare. No instead, we were presented with a man who took his curiosity too far and had it satiated with apathy and boredom and in doing so, transformed into a powerful being that demanded others to cross the line and feel the same emptiness for not leaving well enough alone, and there is something quite powerful and human about that. And Doug was able to express all of that with a short delivery or a look and that raw and relatable emotion, makes it difficult to not celebrate a monster that isn’t too far removed from the rest of us.

In the end however, this was simply another incredible episode in this fascinating documentary. One that genuinely made it clear how monsters can be supremely relatable at times and how that can in fact, make them an overnight sensation, regardless of their origins and well… the only real complaint that one can lodge about his episode, is that it signals the end of the journey. For this is the end of season one and that is frustrating, simply because this is a wonderful series, one that offers insights you cannot find anywhere else and this writer (and other fans, no doubt) simply wants more. So, let’s hope that Shudder renews this series for a second season. For there are still plenty of iconic monsters out there that we are eager to learn about and what better way to do just that, than by way of a show that pays them the proper respect they are due.  

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