Hellboy: The Crooked Man” (2024) is a reboot of the Hellboy franchise, this time directed by Brian Taylor. The movie is based on the 2008 comic miniseries of the same name by Mike Mignola, offering a darker, folk-horror-inspired take on the Hellboy saga.
Plot: The story takes place in the 1950s and follows Hellboy, played by Jack Kesy, who teams up with a young psychic and a war veteran to confront a powerful sorcerer known as “The Crooked Man.” As they venture deep into Appalachian folklore, they uncover dark secrets tied to witchcraft and the supernatural, leading to a climactic battle with an ancient evil.
Performances: Jack Kesy takes over the role of Hellboy from David Harbour and Ron Perlman. While Kesy’s portrayal is rougher around the edges, it channels the comic book character’s rugged personality and dry wit. His performance adds an authentic and raw energy to the film, though it may take time for some fans to adjust to his interpretation. Supporting actors, including Jefferson White and Adeline Rudolph, help bring life to the folklore elements of the story, grounding it in human emotions despite the larger-than-life plot.
Direction and Tone: Brian Taylor leans into a folk horror aesthetic, taking a departure from the previous Hellboy films that were more action-oriented. This version of Hellboy is grittier, with the narrative embracing occult themes, eerie atmosphere, and slow-burn horror. Taylor’s direction emphasizes mood and tension over spectacle, which may be a shift for fans of the earlier Hellboy films by Guillermo del Toro.
Visuals and Special Effects: Visually, the film takes inspiration from the source material’s dark, gothic art style. The Appalachian setting adds an eerie backdrop, and the practical effects used to bring The Crooked Man to life are both grotesque and visually striking. The creature design is one of the film’s standout elements, with the twisted, demonic characters embodying a nightmarish quality.
However, the movie does show some limitations with CGI, which may feel underwhelming in parts. The film tries to remain faithful to the comic’s art direction, but sometimes the budget constraints are noticeable in comparison to big-budget superhero films.
Themes and Message: “Hellboy: The Crooked Man” delves deep into themes of sin, redemption, and the nature of evil. The folklore-heavy plot adds layers of historical and mythological references, giving it a fresh tone compared to the more traditional superhero fare. The movie’s exploration of occultism and the consequences of human greed feels very much in line with Hellboy’s darker comic roots.
Overall Impression: “Hellboy: The Crooked Man” (2024) is a bold attempt to reinvent the Hellboy franchise by returning to its darker, horror origins. While it might not have the grand spectacle of previous entries, it delivers a more grounded and eerie tale. Fans of folk horror and Mignola’s comics may appreciate the darker atmosphere and faithful adaptation, though viewers expecting the action-packed nature of earlier Hellboy films might feel the pacing is slower than anticipated. It’s a solid, though imperfect, reboot with potential for future installments.