There are horror films that vividly showcase their terrifying elements in intricate detail, engaging viewers through a series of thrilling jumps and terrifying revelations. However, Babak Anvari’s latest minimalistic thriller, “Hallow Road,” which hits theaters this Friday, takes a different approach. Written by William Gillies, this film emphasizes atmosphere and mood over overt scares, inviting the audience to engage their own imagination to fill in the terrifying blanks.
The narrative opens in an unsettling forest at 2 a.m., featuring a bloodied sneaker and a sparse, eerie family home with remnants of a disrupted dinner. These haunting images are slowly introduced, creating a tension that builds without immediate clarity or relief. The film firmly establishes a sense of dread before any characters are introduced, leaving viewers to ponder the mystery and impending feelings of dread.
Maddie, portrayed by Rosamund Pike, is abruptly thrust into turmoil following a tense phone call from her daughter Alice (Megan McDonnell), who has left home after a fight. This call spirals into chaos as news of an accident arises, escalating the emotional stakes for Maddie, her husband Frank (Matthew Rhys), and their daughter. Their frantic journey to a remote location further highlights their personal struggles and the stress of the unfolding crisis, ultimately leading to a pulse-pounding moment of attempting emergency CPR while awaiting medical assistance.
“Hallow Road” intricately weaves a narrative about parental anxiety and the complexities of familial relationships, demonstrating how different strategies can shape the outcome in a moment of crisis. The film seduces the viewer into questioning not only what has transpired but also the underpinnings of their decisions in a nightmarish scenario. Additionally, the inclusion of folklore elements adds a layer of creepiness and psychological depth, allowing the film to resonate on various emotional levels.
This shift in storytelling aligns with a growing trend in cinema, where contemporary psychological thrillers prioritize the emotional states of characters and the subtleties of human experience over sheer shock value. Much like recent entries in the genre, such as Steven Soderbergh’s “Black Bag,” “Hallow Road” reflects a new cinematic landscape—one where horror does not just entertain but also serves as a poignant exploration of the human condition.
The film presents a thought-provoking narrative that is not merely about the horror elements, but rather the fears and dilemmas that come with being a parent. As Maddie and Frank navigate their daughter’s crisis, audiences might find themselves reflecting on their own relationships and the complexities inherent in them.
As horror films increasingly captivate audiences and reclaim their box-office presence, “Hallow Road” stands as a testament to the genre’s evolution—offering psychological depth against traditional scares. It symbolizes a hopeful chapter in horror where storytelling can challenge the viewer’s perceptions while providing an immersive experience that is unique and relevant to today’s societal climate.