Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Hollow’

Written by Scott Edwards

One of the things that couples like to do is to show each other where they came from. It is a very safe practice of finding out who they are and where some of their special quirks come from and it ends up making the relationship stronger in the long run. As you are able to find out more about a significant other's past you are able to let the little things go and grow the relationship as you take it to the next step.

Emma and Scott are looking to take their relationship to the next level as they are slated to be married in a few months. Hearing the news that her grandfather has passed away, Emma thinks that going to his home to clean it out would make for a great couple's getaway. Inviting her old fling James and his girlfriend Lynne along for the ride, the four make their way to the remote town of Suffolk. 

James is videotaping the entire trip to keep a video journal for his past love Emma before she takes the leap and walks down the aisle. During their drive up to the old home, the group hits a fox but do not kill it. Looking around the area, Emma tells the group how much she really hated this place when growing up and points to a large tree in the distance. There is a legend about the old tree that had been standing in the same place since 1690 that a hooded figure would chase people that entered its hollow and drive them to their deaths.

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As the group looks around Emma’s grandfather’s house, they find he uncovered a little more information about the area that includes couples committing suicide at the tree for many years. Trying to find out more for themselves, Emma questions the local preacher that has taken over her grandfather’s charge at the church to discover more about the legend. The preacher steps back from the questions and adds more mystery to the legend. The group tries to give it little thought but finds that they are drawn to the tree and an abandoned abbey nearby. The folklore of the region starts to play with the sanity of the group as strange things and thoughts start to invade their minds as their reality starts to change.

Hollow follows Emma and Scott’s relationship as they are about to wed. Being joined with a new budding relationship between James and Lynne, the couples are faced with what is really in their hearts. James is still in love with his childhood crush Emma but is not willing to admit it with his words but will let his film show her the truth. Although he has a good relationship going with Lynne, he is using her to make Scott’s eyes wander and make the ultimate mistake of cheating on Emma. When the group insults the haunted tree and inspects the abandoned abbey, strange events start coming their way, challenging their relationships along with endangering their lives.

This is another one of those first-person movies that have become a staple in horror films. Not being able to see what or where the real threat is coming from add to the scares that these films provide. As long as a proper storyline is provided along with the shaky camera, these films keep you on the edge of your seat until the resolution produces itself. Overall, this is a fun ghost story that plays on the fears of the group as they try to make sense of the local folklore and what really drives couples to kill themselves at a central location. Sometimes sharing your youth, your places along with your fear might be more dangerous than you could ever imagine. Stay Scared.

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