Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Hellraiser’ (2022)

Written by John Edward Betancourt

There is an inherent problem with remakes and reboots of classic 1980s horror franchises, in that… they tend to not live up to the hype and their expectations, and the poor souls stepping into the shoes of icons are often derided for their performances and well, when one takes a moment to really ponder upon the why of all this… it quickly becomes clear as to why these remakes and reboots fall to the wayside with fans. The first issue is they often tend to be an origin story, and these tales are so iconic, we already know how Freddy became Freddy and how Jason became Jason and speaking of those iconic characters… the expectations surrounding the actor that takes up that mantle, are quite complicated and counterproductive in nature. 
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Because clearly, the message they receive is to reinvent the character but make sure they feel familiar, which led to ill-fitted quips from Jackie Earle Haley’s interpretation of Freddy Krueger, and a restrained performance from Derek Mears since his Jason Voorhees often replicated Kane Hodder-esque moments, giving rise to that aforementioned criticism, because audiences wanted more. But worst of all, the plots bring nothing new to the table, they just stick with comfortable territory and do their best to offer fresh visuals instead of something the audience can really dig into and enjoy. But alas, after years of enduring these problems, it would seem that Hulu has figured out how to break free of that mold and provide fans with an exciting and enticing, and horrifying remake/reboot of a horror classic, as evidenced by the brand-new iteration of Hellraiser, that the network released last Friday.

For this is a story that gives us a new and juicy plot to work with. For nothing about this story resembles or re-treads over what the original 1987 film did in the slightest plot wise. This is a story that features a new and exciting mythos for Pinhead and the Cenobites, and dynamic characters that go on their own respective journeys and that alone sucks you in. Because at long last, you’re surprised and in unfamiliar territory and you are simply compelled to continue the journey post-haste. But what’s truly amazing, is that the plot, one that revolves around a desperate quest from a broken woman to use the box to save her brother’s life from an eternity of damnation, isn’t the only reason that this particular film breaks the mold and stands out from other horror remakes. 

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For the casting and recreation of Pinhead, is another bold reason that this movie is saved from past mistakes. Because while the look of Pinhead and the Cenobites remains iconic, with some lovely imaginative twists to update them and enhance their already terrifying nature, Pinhead’s machinations and personality are vastly different. Which means that at long last, the actor was asked to just bring their own interpretation to the role and run with it and not offer up fan service and that pays off in spades. For Jamie Clayton’s Pinhead is a refreshing and downright terrifying monster, thanks to a special coldness and cruelty that Jamie brings to the role, giving us a new Pinhead for a new era, one that holds a flame to Doug Bradley’s character while taking the character in a bold and modern direction. 
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Not to mention… this is a film that also digs deep into some fascinating concepts, that the franchise has never explored before. For this is a story that gets quite intimate with its commentary on the power of addiction and how it is a destructive force in a person’s life. While also touching upon how we beat our vices and how we cope with the scorched earth that addiction leaves in its wake. The latter of which is left opened ended, as it should be… since there are no easy answers on such matters since the pain and guilt addiction inflicts is quite deep and powerful. Which is a move that stays true to the franchise's roots as well, since examinations on the human condition and our vices and our fears are staples of this iconic and storied saga.

However, while all of these elements make for a refreshing and intelligent new chapter in the franchise, make no mistake about it… this is also a motion picture that goes hard from a horror perspective as well. For the Cenobites and their world, and their actions, are simply terrifying through and through, to the point where nausea will accompany the gorier scenes in this story and where the tension will leave one’s heart racing. Which in the end, makes this a masterpiece remake. One that finally gets everything right and opens up all kinds of new possibilities for this franchise. Where it can now explore darker corners of the human condition with a guide through Hell that is as scary as they come and hopefully, this film sets the blueprint for others as to how to make a successful remake of a horror classic. So, that at long last, other classic monsters from that era… can finally receive a fresh chance at life and an opportunity to grow and produce brand-new and long lasting nightmares.    

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