Despite a lengthy runtime (almost 2 hours) “Hollow” is the type of tiny-budget independent feature you simply can’t ignore. Somewhere between what I imagine would happen if a film like Saw and something by Chris Sun up and had a baby. Hollow is a dark and dank horror movie with a stranglehold on things that make us sad.
The story is about a recently widowed woman, Beth who is still coming to terms with the fact her husband Ken is gone. The drama of Beth’s failing memory is the center of the narrative. Meanwhile, the looming and sinister background villain grows ever closer as the minutes tick by. There’s a serial killer on the loose and from time to time we see him. A towering hulk of a man who likes drills, zippers, and the general disarray of body parts in a darkened room.
Aesthetically the movie reminded me of a little-known artsy indie film Artik 2019. Stylistically, a similar score heavily impacts what you are seeing on screen. It gives the propensity of mixing normal things with a sort of comic book accent within its characters. Here in Hollow (also known as Wyvern Hill), Beth often has vivid dreams that intertwine with scary moments.
Outside of the USA, This Title is Known As Wyvern Hill
The way the film is mapped out to hone in on the audience generally uses cinema blocking at all times. This doesn’t take away from anything but highlights the craftsmanship and care taken to assemble this production. Additionally, darkened or tonal changes to the color of the sets make it difficult to predict the story’s progression.
Similarly to Voicesfromthebalcony.com’s Hollow movie review, I too thought the narrative was going to merge the present day with something from the past. It’s a common horror movie trope. Eventually, bits of the narrative draw from the past. However, the final scene emphasizes the impact of very visceral, very graphic violence before it.
Is Wyvern Hill (Hollow) a Gory Horror Movie?
So let’s talk about the gore. “Hollow” stretched their finances and allowed for mostly minimal on-screen gore. But this was executed in a way that makes the film look like it spent way, way more money than it did. Kudos to the effects on people and to the prop design as well. A scene at the end that shows the full extent of the serial killer’s exploits throughout was excellently done.
If you’re sick of watching indie films that look slapped together with minimal thought, definitely check out Hollow. You might find it under the original title of Wyvern Hill if you’re on the hunt for a DVD. It’s worth the hassle.
What to Watch Next | Scary Movies With Serial Killers
Mother of Movies recommends Remnant 2024 | Scalper | Megalomaniac | Once Upon a Time in Hollywood | Ted Bundy Film Reviewed for your next true crime serial killer horror movie to watch next.
Hollow (Wyvern Hill) is rated
3.5 Punch and Judy serial killers out of 5
Hollow 2022 Film Trailer
Where to Watch Hollow 2021
The Devilworks North American trailer is linked above. You can watch the “Hollow” from the 17th of May 2022 on VOD & DVD. Look out for it on streaming platforms in the USA with more countries to follow.
The Hollow movie’s cast includes Pat Garrett (Little Shop of Horrors), and Ellie Jeffreys (Jack Falls.) Additionally, Pete Bird (Dirt), Ben Manning (The Snarling), Mike Coombes, Pablo Raybould, and Ayvianna Snow (The Convent.)
Budget for Hollow 2021: The title was shot in 25 days with £5k. If you want to be even more impressed, Hollow was filmed during the pandemic. The horror movie was acquired as a screener for review purposes.
