The Crooked Man is a new addition to the Hellboy film series, which will have a different feel compared to the previous films in the franchise. Below is a summary of what people can expect in this 2025 release:
It Seems Hellboy Will Be Taping Back Into His Horror Side
Contrary to the previously released Hellboy films, which focused on action coupled with dark fantasy, “The Crooked Man” chooses to adopt a folk horror approach that draws from some of the best neoclassical horror and supernatural folklore stories. The story is set in the 1950s Appalachian Mountains, where Hellboy and rookie B.P.R.D. agent Bobbie Jo Song face off against a demonic creature, the Crooked Man, within a community that is infected with witchcraft and other supernatural darkness.
A Look At The Storyline
The story revolves around Hellboy and Bobbie Jo, who have been assigned the task of transporting a certain type of supernatural spider, which, for one reason or another, gets free while they are in the Appalachians. Along with Bobbie Jo, they now find themselves with Tom Ferrell, a witchcraft and the Crooked Man-afflicted local. In the company of the latter, they set out to a witch-ridden, demon-plagued town where they get to do some fighting with the Crooked Man and his followers, including the witch Effie Kolb.
The plot breaks from traditional narrative structure as it centres around redemption and evil conflict blended with a form of supernatural horror. There is always temptation and a battle against evil, ending up in conflict at some point in the story. In this instance, supernatural stakes are added on a personal level for the characters.
Atmosphere and Style
The atmosphere is that of a spine-chilling scene blended with folk elements and a hint of goth, along with an unorthodox style. The Evil Dead series alone doesn’t bring to mind classic tales, and the film is described to be spooktacular. The cinematography is expected to be gloomy and disturbing, with a hint of psychedelic nature. Most, if not all, the scenes will revolve around fear and despair, supernatural forces, or sentinel imagery. It has been reported that the budget is significantly lower than most other films ($20 million). This was easily spotted thanks to the indie-horror themed budget, which focused on the atmosphere instead of CGI.
Cast and Characters
Jack Kesy inherits the role of Hellboy and is expected to place a darker tinge on the character compared to earlier depictions. People have mixed opinions of him. Some think he was missing the over-the-top nature most previous actors had, while others think the more graphic tone hits just right. Along with him, Adeline Rudolph takes the role of the novel’s Bobbie Jo Song. Jefferson is Fairll and has worked alongside the Crooked Man, which drives the story forward. Martin Bassindale depicts the villainous figure who collects souls for the devil, ‘The Crooked Man’, and Leah McNamara and Joseph Marcell support the cast as Kolb and Watts, respectively.
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Expectations: The Good and the Bad
Fans of the Horror Genre: Indie horror and folk horror fans might appreciate the film’s atmosphere and its adherence to the supernatural and demonic aspects of the Hellboy universe. Fans of Action Movies: Those looking to experience rapid-fire quippy dialogue and non-stop action like in the previous Hellboy films will be deeply disappointed. The pacing is slow and contemplative, drawing more on terror and suspense than humour.
Visuals and Effects: Practical effects and horror set pieces were praised the most, while some critics commented that certain special and 3D effects were sub-par, to say the least.Performances: A mixed reception for the dim tone, with some viewers enjoying the creepiness while others argued the acting and dialogue were too unsynchronised and bland to take seriously.
Final Thoughts
“Hellboy: The Crooked Man” marks a bold departure for the franchise, prioritising horror over heroics and atmosphere over spectacle. Viewers open to a slower, creepier, and more folklore-driven Hellboy will find much to appreciate, while those seeking fast-paced action and humour may find it less satisfying
Writer : Pranjal Bapna