Hellraiser (2022) Review: Is This Reimagining Worth the Pain?

The 2022 Hellraiser is a successful and brutal reimagining of the horror classic, praised for its faithful expansion of the lore, stunning Cenobite designs, and a standout performance by Jamie Clayton as the new Pinhead. While it differs from the original’s tone, this Hellraiser movie review finds it to be a worthy, terrifying, and visually impressive entry in the franchise.

The name Hellraiser alone sends a shiver down the spine, conjuring images of puzzle boxes, chains, and the terrifying Pinhead. Clive Barker’s original 1987 film carved a unique niche in the genre by blending S&M aesthetics with philosophical horror. When Hulu announced its Hellraiser (2022) reimagining, fans wondered if it would honor that legacy or become another misstep in a famously inconsistent franchise. Our Hellraiser movie review is here to answer that very question.

This in-depth Hellraiser (2022) review goes beyond a casual viewing to dissect every detail. We explore the new vision for the Lament Configuration, meet Jamie Clayton’s much-discussed Priest, and analyze how the film carves its own path. While many Hellraiser 2022 reviews are available, our comprehensive take is designed to give you a definitive analysis of how this film navigates the legacy of its predecessors.

Prepare for a journey into the exquisite pain and pleasure that only the Cenobites can offer. Before we deliver our final verdict in this Hellraiser review, we must first set the stage. What is the plot of this new chapter in the hellraisers 2022 saga, and does it bring anything fresh to the torture table?

What is the Hellraiser (2022) Movie About?

A Quick Synopsis (Spoiler-Free)

The Hellraiser (2022) movie reboots the iconic horror franchise, delivering a terrifying new chapter with a fresh, modern take on Clive Barker’s vision.

The story follows Riley, a young woman grappling with addiction. Her already complex life takes a dark and sinister turn when she discovers an ancient puzzle box.

This intricately designed artifact is the infamous Lament Configuration. While the box promises ultimate pleasure to those who solve it, its true purpose is far more terrifying.

Solving the puzzle summons the Cenobites, extra-dimensional beings who revel in extreme sensation. These creatures are led by the formidable Priest, a figure famously known as Pinhead.

Riley becomes entangled in their world, quickly learning that the Cenobites’ understanding of pleasure is unimaginable pain. As the box demands blood sacrifices, she must fight for her life and protect those she cares about. This initial horror sets the stage for a truly intense experience in the new Hellraiser film.

A Fresh Take on the Lament Configuration

A detailed, close-up photograph of the ornate, gold-patterned Lament Configuration puzzle box. — 100% photorealistic, professional photography, high-quality stock photo style. A close-up, dimly lit shot of the intricate, gold-patterned Lament Configuration puzzle box from the Hellraiser movie, resting on a dark, textured surface. The metallic surfaces of the box reflect subtle ambient light, highlighting its complex, moving panels and precise geometric designs. Focus on the ominous yet beautiful craftsmanship. The background is softly blurred to emphasize the box.

The Plot: Experience Over Desire

The Hellraiser (2022) reboot reinvents the iconic Lament Configuration by moving beyond the simple dichotomy of pleasure and pain. Instead of fulfilling desires, the puzzle box now offers “gifts” through its various configurations—extreme sensations that promise an ultimate experience ^[1]. This reimagining explores a deeper, more insidious concept rooted in the allure of pure feeling.

The story follows our protagonist, Riley, who struggles with addiction and seeks easy money with her boyfriend, Trevor. When she unwittingly triggers the ancient artifact, she discovers that solving it is no longer about opening a gateway but about making a pact with horrifying consequences. The film’s focus thus shifts from visceral lust to the pursuit of sensation, recasting the Cenobites as connoisseurs of feeling rather than mere torturers. By offering “gifts” that transform both body and mind, this fresh take makes the puzzle box more terrifying than ever. It aligns with modern horror sensibilities by targeting a fundamental human craving for experience, focusing as much on internal torment as on external suffering.

Pacing and Atmosphere

Many a Hellraiser (2022) review highlights the film’s deliberate, slow-burn pacing. Instead of relying on jump scares, the movie carefully builds tension and establishes an oppressive atmosphere thick with mounting dread. From the looming threat of the Cenobites to the pervasive feeling of unease, viewers are kept on edge throughout, making for a truly unsettling experience. This methodical approach allows the psychological terror to sink in, which in turn makes the shocking body horror elements resonate more effectively.

The film’s technical elements are crucial in achieving this mood. The visual style enhances the feeling of despair with a palette of dark, muted tones and a significant use of shadow. Combined with desolate, isolated settings, the cinematography makes the audience feel trapped alongside Riley. The sound design is equally impactful, as haunting whispers and unsettling effects create a disturbing and immersive experience. It’s this commitment to atmosphere that has earned the film praise in many a Hellraiser movie review.

Meet the New Cenobites

A professional close-up photograph of the Hell Priest Cenobite from Hellraiser (2022), showing intricate facial pins and prosthetics. — 100% photorealistic, professional photography, high-quality production still style. A dramatic, dark, and highly detailed portrait shot of the lead Cenobite (Hell Priest) from Hellraiser (2022). The character is portrayed by a real human actor, captured in a way that emphasizes the realistic and intricate facial prosthetics, featuring visible pins, scars, and a chilling, dignified expression. The lighting is cinematic chiaroscuro, highlighting the metallic sheen and leathery textures of the costume and skin modifications. The background is a deep, shadowy void, ensuring all attention is on the character’s terrifying yet elegant presence. The image should look like a premium promotional photo or a high-resolution frame from the actual film, avoiding any AI-generated smoothness or cartoonish elements.

No Hellraiser (2022) review would be complete without discussing its iconic antagonists, the Cenobites, who are central to the franchise’s identity. This reimagining introduces a fresh, terrifying look for the extra-dimensional sadists, with standout designs that embrace gruesome practical effects and elevate the film’s horror atmosphere.

Jamie Clayton’s Terrifying Priest (Pinhead)

One of the most anticipated aspects of Hellraiser (2022) was the new incarnation of Pinhead, and Jamie Clayton delivers a truly chilling performance in the legendary role. Her portrayal as the Priest is distinct yet captures the cold, intellectual menace fans expect. Clayton brings a regal, unnerving stillness to the character, making her presence incredibly impactful and allowing her to command every scene. The updated design is also remarkable, featuring intricate prosthetics that emphasize a more ritualistic, almost angelic horror. Her voice is meticulously crafted to be both seductive and deeply disturbing. While her casting announcement in October 2021 ^[2] sparked fan curiosity, Clayton’s take firmly establishes a new, formidable leader for the Cenobites in this Hellraiser movie review.

Other Notable Cenobite Designs

Beyond the Priest, the supporting Cenobites in Hellraiser 2022 are equally unsettling, each with a uniquely horrifying design. Pushing the boundaries of body horror with intricate, painful transformations, these new creations lean heavily on practical effects. This choice enhances their visceral impact, making them feel incredibly real and grotesque. Rather than serving as mere henchmen, these Cenobites are unique reflections of human suffering and transgressive desire.

Several stand out for their creativity and sheer terror:

The Gasp: This Cenobite features stretched skin and a gaping wound where its mouth should be, from which air constantly escapes to create a disturbing, raspy sound.
The Weeper: Covered in numerous stitches and open wounds, the Weeper constantly sheds tears of blood, evoking a profound and endless agony.
The Masque: This entity wears a horrific, skin-like mask stretched taut across its face, suggesting a profound loss of self.
The Chatterer: A familiar face receives a grotesque update, with its jaw peeled back to reveal grinding teeth in a truly terrifying sight.

Collectively, the new Cenobites offer a fresh vision of pain and pleasure, making the film’s visual terror a highlight for any Hellraiser 2022 review. By exploring their distinct forms and functions, the film significantly contributes to its overall atmosphere of dread. These designs ultimately solidify the movie’s place as a strong entry in the horror genre.

How Does the Cast Perform?

Odessa A’zion as the Troubled Protagonist, Riley

In this fresh take on the Hellraiser mythos, the weight of the human story rests heavily on Odessa A’zion as Riley. She plays a young woman whose struggles with addiction and past trauma send her on a spiral of self-destruction. This downward trajectory makes her eventual discovery of the Lament Configuration all the more compelling.

A’zion delivers a raw and vulnerable performance, expertly shifting from Riley’s initial desperation to her growing horror and reluctant agency. Her portrayal grounds the more fantastical elements of Hellraisers 2022, making viewers feel her terror and understand the painful choices she must make. As a result, her character arc is central to this Hellraiser movie review.

Furthermore, Riley isn’t just a victim. She actively fights for her brother against impossible odds, which adds significant depth to A’zion’s work. This powerful performance is a key reason for the positive Hellraiser 2022 review consensus among many viewers.

Supporting Cast Performances

The supporting cast in Hellraiser (2022) effectively complements A’zion’s lead, helping to build the film’s pervasive atmosphere of dread and despair. Notable performances include:

Brandon Flynn as Matt: As Riley’s concerned brother, Matt is central to her motivation. Flynn’s performance highlights both his frustration and his love for her, and Matt’s fate ultimately sets the stakes for the entire film.
Goran Višnjić as Roland Voight: Višnjić brings a sinister gravitas to Roland Voight, the enigmatic architect behind the puzzle box’s latest awakening. His ambition and hubris drive much of the plot, providing a chilling human antagonist before the Cenobites take center stage.
Drew Starkey as Colin: Starkey portrays Riley’s boyfriend, Colin, as a loyal, if out-of-his-depth, companion. He offers a semblance of normalcy and represents what Riley stands to lose.
Adam Faison as Trevor: As another friend in Riley’s circle, Faison’s Trevor adds another layer to her complicated life, helping to make the group dynamics feel genuine.

Of course, Jamie Clayton’s performance as the Priest (Pinhead) deserves special mention. While she has her own dedicated section, her presence elevates every scene she’s in. The human cast’s reactions to her and the other Cenobites are crucial, as they underscore the terrifying power of these demonic entities. Ultimately, the ensemble works together to create a believable and horrifying world for this Hellraiser review. Their collective efforts ensure the pain feels real, even in a supernatural context, a success reflected in the widespread praise for the casting choices in many hellraiser 2022 reviews ^[3].

Is Hellraiser 2022 a Remake?

Reimagining vs. Remaking the Lore

Many fans wonder if Hellraiser (2022) is a direct remake of the 1987 classic. The simple answer is no; the film is a reimagining. Rather than a shot-for-shot retelling, this new iteration serves as a fresh interpretation that delves into Clive Barker’s universe with significant twists, exploring new facets of the Cenobite mythology.

Whereas a remake typically recreates an existing story with updated visuals or casting, a reimagining takes core concepts and builds something new. This approach allows for changes to characters, plot points, and even thematic focus. Hellraiser (2022) embraces this freedom, taking the franchise’s terrifying premise and expanding upon it in new directions.

Drawing inspiration from Barker’s original novella, “The Hellbound Heart” ^[4], the 2022 film is not a sequel to the 1987 version. Instead, it offers an alternative exploration of the Lament Configuration’s power, introducing a new generation to the terrifying union of pain and pleasure that the Cenobites promise.

How It Compares to the 1987 Original

A comparison between Hellraiser (2022) and the 1987 original reveals far more differences than similarities. While both films feature the iconic puzzle box and the extra-dimensional Cenobites, their approaches to the lore diverge significantly. The new film is not a simple retread but a distinct entry that carves its own path.

Here’s a look at key comparison points:

Feature	Hellraiser (1987)	Hellraiser (2022)
Source Material	Direct adaptation of “The Hellbound Heart”	Inspired by “The Hellbound Heart” lore
Protagonist	Kirsty Cotton (seeking escape from family horror)	Riley (struggling with addiction, seeking answers)
Plot Focus	Dark desires, forbidden love, resurrection, family secrets	Addiction, sacrifice, consequence, the nature of desire
Cenobite Leader	Doug Bradley as Pinhead (The Lead Cenobite)	Jamie Clayton as The Priest (a new interpretation)
Lament Configuration	Opens a gateway for Frank Cotton’s resurrection	Functions as a more complex, desire-fulfilling trap
Tone	Gothic, psychological horror, body horror	Body horror, cosmic horror, psychological dread

The 1987 original centered on the twisted desires of Frank Cotton and Julia, exploring themes of forbidden lust and grotesque resurrection. In contrast, Hellraiser (2022) introduces Riley, a young woman whose struggle with addiction inadvertently brings the Cenobites into her world. This fundamental shift in protagonist and motivation provides a fresh perspective on the lore.

The Cenobite designs have also been updated, offering unsettling new interpretations of the iconic tormentors. Notably, Jamie Clayton’s portrayal of The Priest (the character fans call Pinhead) presents a distinctly different yet equally terrifying presence ^[5]. By respecting the series’ legacy while forging its own path, the film delivers a bold new chapter for the franchise.

Is Hellraiser 2022 Scary?

Analyzing the Horror and Gore

Is Hellraiser 2022 truly scary? To answer that, let’s analyze the pain. This reimagining doesn’t shy away from graphic depictions, fully embracing the franchise’s roots in body horror. Viewers witness visceral and unsettling imagery that often involves intricate torture devices. Furthermore, the outstanding practical effects enhance the grotesque nature of the Cenobites’ work, making the horror feel terrifyingly real.

The horror here is less about sudden shocks and more about sustained discomfort. Scenes involving the Lament Configuration’s consequences are particularly gruesome, featuring twisted limbs and flayed skin. However, these moments are not just for shock value. They serve a narrative purpose by illustrating the Cenobites’ pursuit of extreme sensation. As a result, the film delivers on its promise of pain and certainly earns its R-rating for strong bloody violence ^[6].

Key aspects of the gore and horror include:

Visceral Body Horror: Expect scenes of mutilation and extreme physical transformation.
Intricate Torture: The Cenobites craft elaborate ways to inflict suffering.
Practical Effects: These make the horrors feel incredibly real and impactful.
Purposeful Gore: The violence serves the narrative. It emphasizes the film’s themes of desire and consequence.

Psychological Terror vs. Jump Scares

When assessing how scary Hellraiser 2022 is, it’s important to understand its approach. In a welcome change for many horror fans, the movie largely avoids cheap jump scares. Instead, it relies on a deeper, more insidious fear by building a pervasive sense of dread. The film’s heavy atmosphere creates an unsettling feeling that lingers long after the credits roll.

The psychological terror is profound, exploring themes of addiction and self-destruction as characters fall prey to forbidden pleasures with terrifying consequences. The Cenobites, particularly Jamie Clayton’s Priest, embody this terror. They are not mindless killers but philosophical entities who represent the ultimate sadomasochistic experience.

Here’s how the film achieves its terror:

Atmospheric Dread: The setting and sound design create a constant feeling of unease.
Existential Fear: It plays on fears of pain, transformation, and losing control.
Consequence of Desire: The horror stems from characters’ choices. Their desires lead to unimaginable suffering.
Intellectual Villains: The Cenobites engage their victims mentally. They offer “pleasures” that are ultimately torturous.

Ultimately, Hellraiser (2022) is not a film designed for quick scares. Its horror is more sophisticated, aiming to disturb your thoughts and make you contemplate the nature of pain and pleasure. This approach makes it a genuinely unsettling experience.

The Final Verdict: Our Hellraiser Movie Review

A professional movie critic sitting at a desk, looking contemplative as they ponder a final review verdict. — 100% photorealistic, professional photography, high-quality stock photo style, corporate photography. A thoughtful and contemplative shot of a professional movie critic, a diverse individual in their late 30s to early 40s, wearing smart casual attire, sitting at a modern desk with a laptop open. They are looking slightly off-camera with a pensive expression, one hand lightly touching their chin, as if deep in thought making a final judgment. The background is a soft-focus, contemporary office or home office setting, suggesting analysis and decision-making. The lighting is balanced and natural.

What’s the Hellraiser Rotten Tomatoes Score?

The 2022 reimagining of Hellraiser received a positive reception, earning a “Fresh” rating of 67% on Rotten Tomatoes based on critic reviews ^[7]. The critical consensus praises the film’s fresh approach to the franchise. The audience score is similarly favorable, standing at 63%.

Overall, the Hellraiser Rotten Tomatoes scores indicate that the film is a solid watch that successfully navigates its tricky legacy. Both critics and viewers found value in this modern take on a horror classic.

Is Hellraiser (2022) Worth Watching?

Yes, Hellraiser (2022) is absolutely worth watching. This modern take offers a fresh perspective on the classic story, respecting the original lore while forging its own path. The film has many strengths that make it a compelling viewing experience.

Here are a few key reasons why it stands out:

Terrifying New Cenobites: Led by Jamie Clayton’s iconic Priest, the new Cenobite designs are unsettling and memorable, bringing a fresh, horrific aesthetic to the screen.
Immersive Atmosphere: The film excels at creating a palpable sense of dread, and its pervasive gloom pulls you deep into its twisted world.
Inventive Body Horror: For fans of grotesque visuals, this movie delivers with outstanding practical effects and creative, wince-inducing gore.
Compelling Protagonist: Odessa A’zion gives a nuanced performance as Riley, whose central journey through addiction and desire makes her a relatable, if flawed, hero.

However, the film isn’t without minor flaws. Some critics noted occasional pacing issues and underdeveloped supporting characters. Despite these points, it remains a strong entry in the franchise that effectively leans into psychological terror over cheap jump scares.

Ultimately, if you enjoy sophisticated horror, give this one a shot. Fans of the original will find much to appreciate, while newcomers will discover a compelling and painful world. Our hellraiser 2022 review concludes that it’s a valuable addition to the franchise and a worthwhile experience for any horror enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is in the cast of Hellraiser 2022?

The cast of Hellraiser (2022) brings the film’s intense roles to life with a mix of fresh faces and experienced actors.

Odessa A’zion leads as Riley, the troubled protagonist whose performance grounds the film.
Jamie Clayton delivers a truly chilling performance as the iconic Priest, the new iteration of Pinhead.
Adam Faison plays Colin, Riley’s supportive brother.
Drew Starkey is Trevor, Riley’s mysterious boyfriend.
Brandon Flynn appears as Matt, Riley’s other brother.
Goran Višnjić takes on the role of Roland Voight, the wealthy hedonist obsessed with the Lament Configuration.
Other notable cast members include Aoife Hinds as Nora and Jason Liles as The Chatterer.

What is Hellraiser 2022 rated R for?

The Motion Picture Association gave the 2022 Hellraiser film an R rating for its intense horror elements [source: https://www.filmratings.com/Search?filmTitle=Hellraiser].

Specifically, the film is rated R for the following reasons:

Strong bloody horror violence: The film contains numerous gruesome scenes that depict the Cenobites’ methods of inflicting pain.
Gore: Significant and explicit gore contributes to the film’s visceral body horror.
Sexual content: Thematic elements and brief visuals of a sexual nature are present.
Language: Strong language throughout the dialogue contributes to the film’s gritty atmosphere.

Overall, this is a film meant for mature audiences. Viewers seeking a less intense experience may want to look elsewhere.

Is the 2022 Hellraiser better than the original?

Debating whether the 2022 Hellraiser is better than the 1987 original is common among fans, as both films offer unique experiences. The original is widely considered a horror classic, renowned for its revolutionary concepts and groundbreaking practical effects from creator Clive Barker.

The 2022 reimagining, however, successfully carves its own niche. Rather than a direct remake, it offers a fresh perspective on the lore of the Lament Configuration, delving deeper into themes of desire and consequence. Jamie Clayton’s standout performance as the Priest also brings a new gravitas to the iconic role.

Ultimately, which film is “better” is subjective. Here’s a quick comparison:

The original (1987) established the franchise’s dark tone with its raw, practical horror and groundbreaking narrative.
The 2022 version impresses with a character-driven story and updated visual effects that explore new facets of the Cenobite mythology.

Many hellraiser 2022 reviews praise the film’s commitment to Barker’s original spirit while still feeling contemporary. We recommend watching both to appreciate their individual strengths—you might find both are worth the pain.