Hellbender

A teenage girl living in isolation with her mother discovers she has inherited a dark family legacy of witchcraft. As she experiments with her burgeoning powers, she attracts the attention of a secret coven, forcing her to confront the truth about her lineage and the violent history associated with it. Her journey leads to a shocking and bloody confrontation with those who seek to control or destroy her kind.

Hellbender was met with generally positive reviews, praised for its inventive take on witchcraft, its raw and independent spirit, and the compelling performances from its family cast. Critics noted its unique blend of body horror, dark fantasy, and coming-of-age themes, highlighting its DIY aesthetic and energetic direction.

• Praised for its creative and visceral depiction of witchcraft and its themes of inherited power.

• Lauded for its strong performances, particularly from the Adams family, and its ambitious DIY horror filmmaking.

• Appreciated for its unique blend of genre elements, offering a fresh perspective on witch lore.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's originality, creative witchcraft concepts, and the impressive work of the family involved in its production and acting. Many found it to be a refreshingly bold and engaging horror experience.

The film was directed by Zelda Adams and her parents, Toby Poser and John Adams, and stars Zelda and her parents, making it a true family affair with much of the production handled by the family themselves.