10 Best Recent Folk Horror Movies You Probably Missed
4. Hellbender
2021’s Hellbender was directed by three people, John Adams, Toby Poser, and Zelda Adams. They also wrote the film, and starred in it alongside Lulu Adams.
This might seem like a case of too many cooks, but it actually makes perfect sense when you realise that John and Toby are married and Zelda and Lulu are their children. Hellbender was devised as a way of exploring the bonds between parents and kids, so this casting was bang on.
Izzy (Zelda) lives alone in the woods with her mother (Toby). They are both Hellbenders, mystical creatures that live outside of human society and destroy anyone who tries to interfere in their lives. This makes things a teensy bit awkward when Izzy meets Amber (Lulu), a young girl who attempts to show her what life is like in the real world.
Tense and gripping whilst also incredibly thought-provoking - and set against a gorgeous forest backdrop - this is a great watch with a fascinating behind-the-scenes story to boot.
Although, can you imagine the rows this family must have had whilst working together? Making movies is stressful enough without your mum and dad there to nag you.