NEW YORK – “Hellraiser” (Hulu), a bit of horror hokum from director David Bruckner, is the latest iteration of a 35-year-old franchise whose longevity is certainly no pledge of quality. In rebooting a series that kicked off with the eponymous 1987 film, adapted from his novella by writer and helmer Clive Barker, Bruckner re-immerses his audience in the loathsome world of Barker’s twisted imagination.
We take the plunge into this grisly environment via the struggles of Riley McKendry (Odessa A’zion), an addiction-beset young woman who benefits from the care of her protective older brother Matt (Brandon Flynn).
After Matt suddenly vanishes one night, Riley comes to suspect that his disappearance may be linked to a mysterious puzzle box she and her shady boyfriend Trevor (Drew Starkey) heisted from a warehouse safe in which they had hoped to find something more valuable. So, joined by Matt’s boyfriend Colin (Adam Faison), Riley and Trevor set off in search of answers.
The trio’s quest is tied into the story of decadent millionaire Roland Voight (Goran Visnjic). As opening flashbacks imply, Voight’s pleasure-seeking led to his being victimized by the Cenobites, Barker’s trademark race of sadistic otherworldly beings who, led by the descriptively named Pinhead (Jamie Clayton), inflict all manner of grotesque suffering on anyone unwise enough to invoke them.
The Cenobites’ latest onslaught comes accompanied by entirely gratuitous sex scenes as well as quasi-religious prattle that would be offensive if it were not so easily dismissed. Viewers will have a harder time forgetting the bloody flayings and elaborate mutilations with which Bruckner’s flick all-too-frequently confronts them.
For the record, in the real world, a cenobite is any member of a religious order who lives in community with his or her confreres, rather than pursuing the solitary life of a hermit. Be it monastery, convent or hermitage, however, any shelter would be a good place to hide from the nauseous perversity that is “Hellraiser.”
Look for: A solicitous sibling.
Look out for: Excessive gory violence, many gruesome images, graphic nonmarital sexual activity, glimpses of rear and full male nudity, a benignly viewed homosexual relationship, a few uses of profanity, about a half-dozen milder oaths and pervasive rough and crude language.
The Catholic Moviegoer’s guidance is U – unsuitable for all. The Motion Picture Association rating is R – restricted; under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
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