Releasing in 2024, Hellboy: The Crooked Man is an American supernatural horror film which showcases a significant change in tone for the Hellboy franchise. Directed by Brian Taylor, the film adapts an eponymous comic miniseries by Mike Mignola published in 2008. Mignola co-wrote the screenplay alongside Taylor. Unlike earlier adaptations that primarily showcased action-adventure themes, this adaptation embraces folk horror, depicting the quintessential half-demon antihero in a more intimate, gritty, and atmospheric narrative.
Plot Summary
Taking place in Appalachia during the 1950s, the film features Hellboy, now portrayed by Jack Kesy, during one of his earliest assignments with the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (B.P.R.D). Onboard a train carrying a supernatural creature in the form of a large spider, Hellboy and his new partner, young agent Bobbie Jo Song, face unforeseen challenges after the creature prematurely liberates itself, leading to disastrous consequences.
While trying to escape the backwoods of West Virginia, Hellboy and Bobbie Jo take refuge in a local town. However, the area conceals dark secrets beneath its surface. It does not take long for them to realize that they have stumbled into an accursed land where witches can roam freely, undead spirits linger, and superstitious locals live under the shadow of a dark demonic being known as The Crooked Man. The Crooked Man is an ancient entity who made a deal with the devil and now rules the land with hidden dominion.
As the story unfolds, we see Hellboy coming face to face with Tom Ferrell, a war veteran and ex-member of a witch coven who is determined to fight back against the supernatural forces that have tormented his family and village for decades. As Hellboy, Bobbie Jo, and Tom join forces to solve the mystery, they are confronted with some horrifying realities. The Crooked Man was originally a man named Jeremiah Witkins who was able to betray his community, sell his soul, and was able to come back as a vessel for evil.
The closing scenes of the film are set in a forsaken church and a cursed manor house where the trio battles the Crooked Man and his coven of witches. Assisted by a blind reverend and a magical relic held by Tom, they emerge victorious from the struggle of will and fire against the creature. This battle culminates in a temporary resolution that bestows peace to the cursed land.
Cast and Characters
Portraying Hellboy, Jack Kesy presents a version of the character more aligned with the comics: dark and brooding, rugged, and devoid of the lightheartedness that marked previous portrayals.
Adeline Rudolph portrays Bobbie Jo Song, a young and cynical member of the B.P.R.D. who is thrust into the world of supernatural horror.
Tom Ferrell is brought to life by Jefferson White. He is a deeply troubled man linked to the dark history of The Crooked Man.
Martin Bassindale takes on The Crooked Man, who as the film’s folk-horror figurehead, serves as a truly unnerving character that manifests the film’s folk-horror elements.
Other parts include Joseph Marcell as Reverend Watts, the blind preacher; Leah McNamara as the witch Effie Kolb; and Cora Fisher is portrayed by Hannah Margetson.
Production Background
After the 2019 Hellboy adaptation received lukewarm reviews, work began on a film that would serve as a reboot to the franchise. This film would be based on one of the most popular arcs in the Hellboy comics, as the creative team wanted to take a more faithful approach to the source material.
Filming took place in Bulgaria to capture the rugged landscapes resembling rural Appalachia. These were filmed against a set budget of $20 million, focusing more on practical effects instead of CGI. Classic folk horror was deeply rooted in the atmosphere of the film which garnered the attention of director Brian Taylor, who hoped to create tension and dread rather than rely on spectacle.
Tone and Style
Like its predecessors, The Crooked Man still holds on to the core elements of action but pivots towards folklore, Southern Gothic horror, and witchcraft. Rather than action driven sequences, there is a more contemplative passages that guide the viewer forward. The use of candlelight, fog, and close shots generate suspense and visual intrigue. This shift proves the film’s ambition of being horror-themed rather than superhero-centered.
In this film, Hellboy is a more passive character. He appears as a tired wanderer, sleuthing through a world beyond his own, and a supernatural world riddled with ancient horrors. His interactions with Tom and Bobbie Jo form the emotional heart of the film, embodying the trauma and redemption as well as the lingering evil of the aftermath.
This movie expands on and explores a few foundational themes:
- Redemption and Curses
Tom epitomizes guilt and the redemption that follows in his journey. He seeks to liberate his homeland from the malefic forces he previously served. In this tale, Hellboy sheds his image as a mere destructinator or weapon, transforming into a protector and protector of a man who, in his journey, reminds him of the struggle with destiny.
- Folklore and Spiritual Terror
Aside from being filled with American folklore, this movie features one of the most frightening creations in a monster The Crooked Man. A creature of greed and betrayal, he embodies the morally damaging rot that isolated communities endure, reminding of the haunting tales of fear, superstition, and religious extremism.
- Science vs. Superstition
Bobbie Jo epitomizes the modern and rational mind. Her journey is transformational; she learns to battle the impossible with faith and courage. Her metamorphosis reflects the audience’s journey into a reality where evil exists in a form that is ancient, ominous, and difficult to explain.
Reception
Overall, the film’s reception was mixed to mildly positive. While some longtime Hellboy fans appreciated the fidelity to the comics and the novel approach to horror, others lamented the sluggish pace and minimal action sequences. Some effects bore the modest budget’s hallmark, yet many praised the focus on practical effects and makeup over CGI.
Critics pointed out that Jack Kesy played a more somber and serious Hellboy than had been previously imagined. His portrayal fetched mixed reactions but ultimately received recognition. Jefferson White was lauded for his portrayal of Tom Ferrell, infusing emotion into his character. Adeline Rudolph brought vivacity as Bobbie Jo, equally balancing her role’s courage and naivety.
On the other hand, the lack of menacing or visually distinct features voiced by some viewers about the Crooked Man himself, coupled with lack of extensive world-building, dampened some enthusiasm. Regardless, the majority upheld that the film marked a promising venture in reimagining Hellboy for horror-centric audiences.
Conclusion
Hellboy: The Crooked Man takes the franchise in a new direction. It departs from Superhero elements and breathes new life into the series within the realms of horror, folklore, and character-driven storytelling. Although it has some flaws, the film stands apart as a distinct work that pays tribute to the origins while paving pathways for future stories that explore horror instead of heroism.
Watch free movies on Fmovies