Review of Hellraiser (1987) by Matt R — 06 Feb 2017

What can there be said about "Hellraiser" that hasn't already been said before? Not a whole lot because this is one of the best Horror films out there. Clive Barker's directing debut is a whopper of a film (it helps he wrote the original novella so he knows what he wants) and there a plenty of things to admire about this low budget masterpiece and very little to criticize.

"Hellraiser" tells the story of a girl whose father and step-mother move into an old family house where something evil and foreboding is awaiting to be awakened. Honestly, on its bare bones this story has been done before, but its the details that make this story worth it. Character relationships, like the unusual connections between the step-mother and uncle and how the daughter is treated make this film a little more human then what a story about opening the gate way to hell could have been. It's these details (I don't want to spoil the film too much) are what make this tale one of epic and yet very personal proportions.

Oddly enough, for a film done in 1987 it has aged like a fine wine that allows its little nuances to only get better with time. Many films date far too quickly, yet "Hellraiser" to this day still packs as much punch as it was the first time I saw it. Clive Barker and company did a lot of great things on this film, including character development, flow, set designs, and of course the horrific special effects, but what makes "Hellraiser" such a great experience is the little things. Like the quick and precise editing, the bombastic classical and creepy score, or even just some of the sound effects like the chiming bells in the back ground of the coming Cenobites. For those of you expecting lots of Pinhead slash and dash slaughters like the later films, then be prepared. This is not a film about Pinhead and his revenge on the hellbound hearts of this world. This is more about the choices that individuals make and the repercussions that are had. It's a moral story if there ever was one, just in the guise of a clever and intense Horror story.

I must say that "Hellraiser" is still one of the best Horror films ever made in my book. It's lasted the test of time and even though some of the special effects and clothing may seem dated (although I would argue the return of Frank is one of the coolest ideas and creepiest scenes I have ever witnessed) this film is one that will last on the books for its universality and its unabated boundaries.