Hellboy: The Crooked Man follows the iconic demon detective, Hellboy (David Harbour), as he is sent on a mission to the Appalachian Mountains in the 1950s, where strange and terrifying events have been reported. Along with his new partner, the young B.P.R.D. agent Alice Monaghan (Sasha Lane), Hellboy investigates reports of a mysterious and powerful being known as the Crooked Man, a supernatural figure who has terrorized the region for centuries.
As they delve deeper into the investigation, Hellboy and Alice uncover a dark history involving witchcraft, ancient rituals, and a curse tied to the land. The Crooked Man, who is a deformed, ancient entity with a terrifying power to control people and bend reality, is not only a physical threat but a symbol of the evil that lurks beneath the surface of humanity.
Hellboy, grappling with his own identity and the duality of his demonic heritage, must confront his fears and face the Crooked Man in a desperate attempt to stop the ancient evil from spreading. As Hellboy and Alice battle supernatural forces, they are forced to rely on each other’s strength and understanding of the darker side of the world.
Hellboy: The Crooked Man attempts to breathe new life into the Hellboy franchise, but the results fall short of expectations. Directed by Brian Taylor, the film tries to tap into the character’s supernatural roots, offering a darker, more atmospheric story than previous adaptations. While the film successfully creates a chilling atmosphere and builds a sense of mystery with the introduction of the Crooked Man, its pacing and character development leave much to be desired.
David Harbour returns as Hellboy, and while his performance is strong, he struggles to fully capture the character’s trademark mix of humor, angst, and heroism. The dynamic between Hellboy and Alice, played by Sasha Lane, has potential, but it feels underdeveloped, leaving their relationship feeling forced rather than natural.
The film’s antagonist, the Crooked Man, while visually interesting and suitably creepy, lacks the depth necessary to make him a truly menacing threat. The story drags in places and spends too much time on exposition, which detracts from the excitement and tension. The CGI, while competent, doesn’t elevate the horror in the way it could have, making some of the supernatural elements feel underwhelming.
Ultimately, Hellboy: The Crooked Man is a missed opportunity, offering glimpses of what could have been a compelling supernatural tale, but lacking the consistency and emotional depth needed to make it truly engaging. 5/10.
Studio 23
Woolden Road
Manchester
General: hello@stepholt.com