Review: Hell Fire

Hell Fire represents the kind of clever idea that can be found in indie horror if you look in the right place. The setup has little bits of horror troupes that you know and love but it twists each one of them into something new. Director Marc Fratto is out to make a fun, twisted time at the movies and he succeeds in spades in Hell Fire.

The film begins as a group of prostitutes decide to break into a deal their pimp is making in order to steal the money. Turns out it wasn't that kind of deal. Now instead of the usual kidnapping/standoff film, the Antichrist is thrown in. One by one the women become enslaved and possessed by demonic forces, turning themselves against one another.

One of the things that makes this film really enjoyable is that the prostitutes all have well defined personalities. Despite their silly hooker names Fyre, Destinee, Cinnamon and Rosetta all have their own motives at play and watching them turn against themselves is where most of the fun of Hell Fire is found. Big shout outs to Katelyn Marie Marshall and Selene Beretta for their go-for-broke performances.

Fratto also shines in the action scenes of the film. Hell Fire may have a small budget but you wouldn't know it thanks to the well-shot and staged action scenes. The fights are brutal and the gun play is stylish. In fact, the action outshines the horror elements in some ways. Luckily the gore is really fantastic and makes some of the kill scenes truly horrifying.

Hell Fire is the type of indie horror film that deserves attention. It's crazy, inventive and well made despite a lower budget. The movie is available at rental/retail chains including Family Video and Hastings, as well as On Demand through most major cable, satellite, and internet VOD providers. DVD Extras include audio commentary with the cast and director Marc Fratto, the "No Budget Films of Cinnamon", and plenty of deleted scenes and outtakes!

4/5