Writer: Justin Hewitt-Drakulic, Alex Less Williams, Michelle Aseltine (Screenplay)
Starring: Nicola Correia-Damude, Michael Ironside, Yannick Bisson, Monica Parker, Gabe Grey, Allegra Fulton, Kyra Harper, Andelica Stirpe
Plot: A detective investigates her father’s dying words; the name of a girl who has been missing for 9 years.
Runtime: 1 Hour 23 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Verdict: Tense Investigation Film
Story: Hellmington starts when detective Samantha Woodhouse (Correia-Damude) returns home with her father on his death bed, gets one final message from him, a name of a missing girl, Samantha turns to her Uncle Rupert (Ironside) to try and unlock the case, which sees her start her own investigation.
The more Samantha investigates the more secrets of the town she must learn about, including her own past, all while being stalked by an unknown presence which seems to have targeted her.
Thoughts on Hellmington
Characters – Samantha Woodhouse is a detective from a big city, she returns home with her father being on his deathbed, to help plan for the next stage, she decides to stick around after learning about missing person that hasn’t ever been solved, where she must face her own connection of her past, while trying to understand what actually happened to the missing girl. Rupert is the Uncle to Samantha, he is the local sheriff that bought her back, only to wish for her to leave the case alone. Professor Freeborn is one of the locals experts that is helping Samantha understand the truth around what might be happening. We do meet a host of potential suspects, or residents that do have a chapter to say when it comes to unlocking the truth.
Performances – This movie revolves around the performance Nicola Correia-Damude gives, she is involved in every scene and you can understand the mindset of her character as she both learns truths and faces pasts through the film. Michael Ironside might well be the biggest name in the film and does everything we need him to do. The rest of the cast is strong through the film too.
Story – The story follows a detective that returns home for her father’s funeral, only to find herself investigating a missing persons case, one that does mean she must face her own past to learn the truth. This is an interesting story because it does show us how your past can come back to haunt you and investigating a bigger case can only make you see the people in your life in a different light. We do follow just one character which will show us how they are learning about the case, just as we are, which is nice too be left in the dark about certain parts instead of being given all answers. We do get pushed down different ideas of what is happening which does keep us guessing and will leave shocked by the truth.
Horror – The film does use horror elements which involve how the Samantha is experience strange events while trying to uncover the truth.
Settings – The film is set in one locations which is the hometown of the Samantha which is filled with memories, some she liked, others she doesn’t want to.
Special Effects – The effects in the film are strong when needed, we don’t use them too often which isn’t needed.
Scene of the Movie – The first visit of the stranger.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – Slightly rushed finished.
Final Thoughts – This is an interesting horror that deals with the investigation into a missing person, it has a wonderful leading lady performance and does keep you guessing.
Overall: Strong horror investigation.