Halloween in West Hollywood, two guys making out in a park are interrupted by a serial killer. Later that night, a group of gay kids decide to visit to the site of the murders.
Hellbent (2004)
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Collection of gay short films
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As a gay man and horror movie aficionado, I eagerly anticipated “Hellbent,” hoping for a harmonious blend of scares and LGBTQ representation. The film delivered on some fronts – the actors, chosen for their looks, provided commendable performances. Dylan Fergus’s likable presence, Hank Harris’s nervy innocence, and Matt Phillips’s drag queen portrayal stood out. Andrew Levitas, while visually striking, occasionally overplayed the party animal archetype. However, the film’s strengths were overshadowed by significant drawbacks.
The script and dialogue were the Achilles’ heel of “Hellbent.” Laden with moments that defy logic and an absence of coherent explanations for the killer’s actions, the narrative left much to be desired. Some scenes felt like tributes to the questionable decision-making of ’80s slasher films, yet it begged the question – is paying homage to their flaws truly necessary? The characters’ dialogue seemed out of touch, failing to capture the authentic way gay men (or any individuals) communicate.
Despite these shortcomings, the film succeeded in introducing a slasher with gay protagonists, injecting a refreshing perspective into the horror genre. The representation of gay characters and the inclusion of partial nudity, while not groundbreaking, added an element of visibility often absent in traditional horror fare.
In conclusion, “Hellbent” is a mixed bag. While the film may not be a masterpiece, it caters to gay audiences and horror enthusiasts willing to overlook its narrative flaws. With the potential for a sequel, there’s hope for improvement in plot and dialogue, creating a more polished experience that can truly resonate with its target audience.
Dead (2020)
A stoner psychic who talks to the dead gets roped into helping a murdered, closeted cop find a serial killer targeting gay men. When the mystery points straight to his own deranged family, things get hilariously messy and bizarrely touching.