Hellraiser (2022)

In this new reboot (or should that be re-skin )of Clive barker's franchise horror classic of the same name ( Hellraiser 1986 ). The premise of this remains very much the same. An ancient puzzle box, once solved by the user, releases the promise of unearthly delights delivered under the stewardship of its supernatural Hellpriests or as popularly known as Cenobites to fans of the series. However, it all comes at a price. In this 2022 version, we have hapless recovering addict Riley becoming the target of these supernatural forces, as she unintentionally ropes her brother into this trap after he accidentally unlocks the box. This latest entry into the Hellraiser series boasts some great costume and make-up design in portraying the newest incarnations of the cenobite, (who are always the stars of these movies). Pinhead is portrayed this time by Jamie Clayton gives a suitably otherworldly performance. But seems a little muted in the script compared to Doug Bradley original portrayal, who was always served brimming sense of malice when interacting with his victims. Although, beautiful in some of their designs, Hellraiser (2022) rather lacks the focus, and essential interplay between the Hellpriests and their latest prey,which was the heart of the game of temptation and horror that made the original so fascinating.Here unfortunately, they feel rather sidelined, which is a shame.Instead, the focus is on on Riley and Billionare Voight ( Goran Visnjic) who instigates the whole affair, as they try to outfox each other as they navigate their escape from the clutches of the cenobites.With a lot of the rich lore of this franchise just glossed over, you are feeling a bit wanting, again a shame when there is so much more to explore.