Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Hell Hole’

8/26/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Still from Toby Poser & John Adams’ HELL HOLE Courtesy of Shudder. A Shudder Release.

One particular concern that has recently come to light when it comes to climate change and the alterations it is quickly making to our world, is that so many are curious what kind of horrors will be unleashed upon mankind in a warmer world. And we’re not talking about the rising sea levels, the stifling heat and resource issues, and the mass extinctions that would accompany a full-blown rising of temperatures. No, that concern is in reference to the fact that a warmer world might unleash nightmares that modern humanity has never known. For in the ice and the permafrost of the world, things are frozen, things that could cause us incredible harm.

For instance, there might be pathogens that will be unleashed in a warmer climate that could devastate humanity on a level we’ve never seen. To the point where our lives might change drastically to keep us safe from the ravages of illness. Not to mention, who knows what a warmer climate could uncover from a wildlife standpoint. For there could be creatures living in the ice that could cause us trouble. Which is all the more reason for us to band together and do the right thing and save the climate from disaster. If anything, the possibilities of what could be lurking beneath the ice or even in parts of our world we haven’t explored yet… but might be uncovered by our desires to have it all… are top of mind today, simply because a brand-new feature on Shudder explores such matters.

A feat that Hell Hole accomplishes, by transporting us into the nether regions of Siberia. Wherein a fracking crew is ramping up to tear into the ground and bring out those sweet, sweet natural resources that have kept our lives running for so long. But before they can frack, this team must uncover whether there is biological life in this place. For if there is, the operation is off, and well… they do indeed discover life. Just, not the kind they expected. For they uncover a living and breathing man from another century, one wrapped in a gross membrane and who is eager to die. Simply because, inside of his body is an ancient being that has lived in this land for generations. A parasite that gestates within men and is eager to thrive again, to the point where it will cause harm to obtain that, and now… it will be up to this crew to make a powerful decision. In that, they can either forget what they’ve discovered and get to work or do the right thing… and walk away.

Which is, a plot that is truly grounded in commentary on climate change the potential horrors we could uncover if we keep treating the Earth the way that we do. Since that story perfectly encapsulates how it is indeed only a matter of time before we either unleash something terrible, or stumble upon a true nightmare in our quest to rule this world, and make sure the AC is on during the summer that we’ve made hotter and well, that leads some intelligent and poignant moments. Ones that leave the audience thinking after this motion picture has come to an end about what comes next for us if we ignore what’s in front of us, and perhaps what we can do better, and do differently than this digging crew. Since they make a bevy of bad choices in this story.

But all great commentary aside, and powerful points about our place in the world, this is a horror film. One that features quite the hideous and dangerous monster, and that leads… to some downright shocking gore. Courtesy of an animal that responds to threats like any other creature in nature. Which means this squiggly nightmare is swift, violent and brutal in its response to potentially being harmed. Ergo, it has no problems popping open a human being to either make a quick escape to another body or to outright defend itself. Plus, the sheer savagery of this ancient animal, brings about some equally as shocking scares. Simply because there is that sense of the unknown with this being, and its fury knows no bounds, and that truly leads to some moments where its appearance and actions stun you and leave you feeling generally uneasy.

All of which brings forth, an utterly delightful, fast-paced, fun horror film. One that also uses humor to bring everything together. Since that allows for the commentary and the intense gore here to never overwhelm, and it also doesn’t hurt that the cast sells the wild nature of this story with solid performances that make us feel as though we are plunged into the moment with everyday people that have indeed come face to face with one of our greatest fears: mother nature’s raw power. For this movie really does hammer home, that while we have indeed accomplished wonders at the top of the food chain, mother nature is the planet’s true master and she expects better out of us, and it’s best we live up to her expectations… or face her wrath like never before.

Watch ‘Hell Hole’

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