Hellbent is a 1988 horror movie, written and directed by Richard Casey, which takes place in the dystopian city of Los Angeles in the future, where violence and drug addiction are an everyday part of life. The movie follows the story of two detectives, Frank and Eddie, who are tasked with solving a series of brutal murders that have been happening in the city.
As Frank and Eddie dive deeper into the investigation, they find that the murders are being committed by a mysterious cult, led by a masked figure known as the Reaper. The cult is obsessed with the idea of nightmares and death, and they believe that by committing these murders, they can bring about the end of the world.
As the detectives get closer to uncovering the truth behind the murders, they encounter a series of strange and terrifying events that push them to their limits. They find themselves in a world where reality and nightmares are not easily distinguished, and where their own sanity is constantly in question.
The movie explores themes of violence, drug addiction, and the power of belief, as the detectives confront the dark side of human nature and the dangers of fanaticism. The cult members, who are mostly young and disillusioned, represent a generation looking for meaning in a world that has left them behind. They see the world as brutal and chaotic, and believe that by causing chaos and destruction, they can bring about a new order.
Hellbent is a visually striking movie, with a dark and gritty atmosphere that perfectly captures the bleakness of the setting. The movie is also notable for its practical effects, which were done on a shoestring budget, yet are still effective in creating a sense of terror and unease.
The performances in the movie are universally strong, with Phil Ward and Lyn Levand delivering standout performances as the detectives. Ward's performance as Frank is particularly noteworthy, as he conveys the character's growing sense of paranoia and fear in a subtle and convincing way.
David Marciano is also excellent as the Reaper, playing the cult leader with a chilling intensity that makes him a truly terrifying antagonist. The supporting cast is also strong, with memorable performances from Michael Saad as the cult's enforcer and Darcy DeMoss as one of their newest recruits.
Overall, Hellbent is a gripping and disturbing horror movie, with strong performances, effective visuals, and a dark and unnerving atmosphere. Its exploration of the darker side of humanity and the dangers of fanaticism make it a thought-provoking and timeless story that still holds up today.
Hellbent is a 1998 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.7.
