Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘The Hallow’

Written by Scott Edwards

There can be many things that go bump in the night, but when they are hidden in the darkness of a forest, they could be even scarier than anything you could ever imagine. With so many unknowns roaming about, that sound in the bush could be a squirrel or it could be a wolf... or worse. The unknown can play tricks with your head and force you to do things that you normally would never do. Combine that with the thought that there might be something out there that is coming to get you, well, good luck facing your darkest fears.

Adam and his infant son Finn are on a walk in the woods looking for something interesting. Finding a dead deer in an abandoned house, Adam stumbles on a parasite that he has never seen before. Bringing a sample home to test, he sees that it is very aggressive and can control animal's minds. Sharing his find with his wife Claire, Adam is pleased with his discovery, but will not be able to enjoy it for too long as the window in the baby’s room is smashed in.

Thinking that it is his neighbor trying to get his attention to stop him from entering the hallow, Adam calls the police to investigate. Not being able to prove that there was any foul play, the officer leaves, but not before making sure that Adam knows what lore surrounds the woods that he continues to enter. Thinking that these are old tales designed to scare children, Adam continues with his business, but finds out that there may actually be something to the stories. After his car breaks down on his drive back in from town, Adam finds the same parasite growing on the engine, while he does not know what could be causing it, he does not have time to worry as the woods quickly awaken.

While staying home, Claire gets visited by her abusive neighbor, Colm, who has brought her a present. A book about the lore of the surrounding woods and what will happen if her husband continues to enter them. Claire cares less about the book and only about the safety of her baby, so she throws it aside, but when the creatures from the woods make their way to the house, the family starts thinking twice about what they are involved in. Not being able to escape in their car, Claire, Adam and Finn will have to make their stand in the house, but they will have to take one of the legends to heart. Putting iron bars back on the windows will help keep them safe, but when the parasite moves through the wood in the house, all bets are off.

I am actually pretty happy I watched this movie, finally. There are more than enough scares, especially when the lights go out and the creatures from the woods start to make their move. The family dynamic is the main storyline and when a baby is involved, you can understand why. I must admit that when Adam finds out he is infected, his role grows, and even though you don’t want to trust him, you might have to look at the big picture. Watching him transform into something else was not a disappointment and Claire’s reaction to seeing what he has become is priceless. You might want to think twice about entering the woods out there, especially if there are stories about what they do or become when the sun goes down, just saying. Stay Scared.

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