Full disclosure I saw the original Hellraiser when it was released in theaters, and I left the screening disappointed. So much so that I never watched any of the numerous sequels. This is no shade thrown at the fan base who have embraced this franchise, but it simply did not work for me.

Hellraiser 2022 centers of Riley McKendry a woman battling drug and alcohol addiction as she lives with her brother Matt, his boyfriend Collin, and roommate Nora. While on a burglary with his hook-up friend Trevor, Riley discovers a mystical puzzle box which can summon twisted and mutilated demons, the Cenobites, that offer twisted rewards and gifts often in the form of extreme physical torment. When her brother vanishes and with her own recollections fouled by her drugged mind Riley embarks on the quest to discover the truth of the puzzle box and find her brother.

I very much enjoyed Hellraiser 2022, much more than I did the original. The cast performs well, the atmosphere and mood of this version is quite well captured by director David Bruckner and cinematographer Eli Born. While the extensive Hellraiser franchise robs the cenobites of mystery and surprise this story, entirely distinct from the original film and novella, has enough mystery and twists within itself to satisfy. This set of characters are also more appealing and easier to enjoy with then the original ’87 movie. The production also benefits from a much higher budget, more than 30 years of advancement in special effect, and a more experienced director helming the feature, yielding a far superior product. No shade to Clive Barker and his production. Given the budget it must be viewed as a success since it inspired such a long-lasting fandom, but talent in one art, writing, does not necessarily translate to another.

From certain segments of fandom, a great deal of noise has been generated over the casting of a transactor, Jamie Clayton, as the iconic leader of the Cenobites, Pinhead. As with other sound and fury signifying nothing concerning the race of actors plays elves, dwarves, and Norse gods, in the end all that really matters is the performance and Clayton’s was perfectly adequate. That is not damning with faint praise. The script calls on Pinhead do to little more than appear and intone theatrically and this requirement Clayton fulfills quite well. To see more from the performance required more on the page than is present.

All in all, Hellraiser 2022 is an acceptable horror film for a late night’s viewing. It shan’t become one of my favorites but nor does it rank among those that wasted my time.

Hellraiser 2022 is currently streaming on HULU.