A single, chilling line sums up this work as a haunting, stylish, gruesome, and unnerving exploration of the human psyche that delivers heavy themes and stellar acting.
In a chilling debut, director Nico Scheepers presents the movie “Hen,” a gripping psychological horror that unfolds amidst the eerie solitude of an off-grid farmhouse nestled deep within the wilderness. The narrative revolves around a barren couple living in seclusion on this remote property. While scouting for hidden supplies, the prospective father stumbles upon a gruesome murder site and adopts the lone survivor – a young boy.
Upon bringing our new family member home, I’ve found myself grappling with a series of mysterious and alarming occurrences. These events have left me questioning the depths of my beliefs, morals, and even my own mind’s stability. This unsettling arthouse horror is an exquisite demonstration of building tension and dread. Nico Scheepers has brilliantly woven a chilling narrative that resonates powerfully with films like The Lighthouse, The Witch, and The White Ribbon.
In the film “Hen, “Robert Eggers’ signature style is noticeable. Similar to “The Lighthouse“, it features stark black-and-white cinematography and an enclosed environment that generates a disquieting and confined ambiance. The connection to “The Witch” can be seen in the eerie occurrences linked to the remote location and animals. Moreover, the film’s monochrome color scheme and socially tense drama echo the historical flavor of movies like “The White Ribbon” and “There Will Be Blood“. “Hen” perfectly embodies the genre known as “elevated horror,” offering a skilfully built and spine-chilling tension.
The right choice for the actors significantly impacts the movie’s success, and the main three actors deliver convincing and genuine performances. Dawian van der Westhuizen portrays the young boy with a unique, ethereal quality that is essential for the plot – similar to what was seen in Hereditary. Stian Bam radiates a strong, hardened weightiness, while Amalia Uys delivers outstanding work opposite him, skillfully depicting the sincere, anxious traits of their characters.
“Ons vuur brand teen die donker.”
The movie, titled Hen, demonstrates an impressive level of self-control, using striking visuals and exceptional audio design to create a sense of unease. The cinematography is extraordinary, with authentic lighting and powerful contrasts that give each scene a powerful impact. The sound design stands out notably, transforming seemingly ordinary yet unsettling moments into something much more ominous and meaningful. The growing apprehension is one of the film’s most potent aspects, leaving you tense as you wait for the next moment of terror to unfold.
Although the initial scene is memorable, the characters’ doubts and minimal dialogue could have benefited from further development to make it feel more authentic within the context of reality. After this desert rescue, there’s little reference back to the child’s background, assumed role, or efforts to reconnect him with his family. The movie’s decision not to provide a complete resolution, which adds to the overall eerie atmosphere, may leave certain viewers yearning for more insight into the characters’ minds and intentions.
The movie titled “Hen” contains somber and intense scenes involving animals and children, which could be distressing for sensitive viewers. Given its mature content, the age restriction is justified. With its heavy atmosphere, captivating storyline, and skillful direction, “Hen” stands out. It’s a potent film that commands attention on an international stage and rightfully takes its place among the works of contemporary horror filmmakers.
The bottom line: Powerful
Read More
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Umamusume: All current and upcoming characters
- Umamusume: Gold Ship build guide
- From Stage to Screen: 20 Singers Who Tried Acting and How They Fared!
- Wuchang Fallen Feathers Save File Location on PC
- 15 Actors Perfect for the Role of the Firestorm in the DCU
- A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity: This Blue Chip Healthcare Stock Down 50% Could Double Your Money
- Prediction: Boeing Won the F-47 Contract — and Maybe F/A-XX as Well
- Signal Advisors Loads Up on 25,696 QQQM Shares in Q2 2025
- The Curious Surge of Medtronic Stock: A Tale of Shrewd Expectations and Quiet Triumph
2025-08-26 14:43