Hell is Empty never quite follows through on the tension of its earliest moments. The story is about a runaway named Lydia (Spencer Peppet) who has recently been initiated into a cult. She along with four other women live with a man who is their leader. Her arrival throws off the delicate balance leading to death and confusion. Is it the work of the Devil or something much more sinister?
The best cult movies explore the inner workings of the group. Hell is Empty gives vague motivations and reasonings for the cult, but still manages to let audiences in. Ed (Travis Mitchell) controls the five women through manipulation and intimidation. While there is never a threat of physical violence (at least not before everything falls apart), Ed’s – whom the women refer to as “Artist” – promises of Hell frighten them. The power dynamics are very clear.
Yet, it is hard to not want to know more. Why and how did the group arrive at the island? Some comments hint that Ed brought them while others suggest they came on their own. The timeless feel of Hell is Empty is a neat aesthetic touch, but it ends up being more confusing than anything else. Are they located on U.S. waters and if so, why hasn’t the government gotten involved yet?
Since little explanation is given about the cult, the characters end up taking center stage. Hell is Empty is a standard messiah complex cult movie. The girls vie for the affection and attention of Artist while being passive aggressive towards each other. The performances are strong, but there is not much depth. This becomes most apparent in the action packed third act.
Hell is Empty is a stylish film whose look changes as it continues. Early on, it is filled with vibrant colors and fairy tale-like settings. Adding to this are the many beautiful shots of the gorgeous scenery. It is all a stark contrast to the tension that surrounds everything. As the situation becomes more paranoid and violent, the movie takes on a darker look. This pulls audiences into the film’s atmosphere.
All together, it will keep the attention of anyone who is watching. The plot and characters are underexplored, but the grounded approach is appreciated since many cult movies have a tendency to be outrageous. Hell is Empty is also a well shot movie that mirrors its tone. The cast does a great job of getting over the danger and fear of the cult.
Hell is Empty comes to digital and on demand March 1
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