Hellraiser: Judgment

Hellraiser: Judgment is a 2018 horror film directed by Gary J. Tunnicliffe and stars Damon Carney, Randy Wayne, Alexandra Harris, and Heather Langenkamp. It is the tenth installment in the Hellraiser franchise and follows a group of detectives as they investigate a series of brutal murders linked to a mysterious puzzle box.

The film follows the story of two detectives, Sean and David Carter, who are tasked with investigating a series of gruesome murders that all seem to be connected to a mysterious puzzle box. As they delve deeper into their investigation, they discover a cult that worships the box and its inhabitants - the Cenobites - who have returned to Earth to harvest human souls.

As the investigation progresses, the detectives begin to unravel a sinister plot that involves the box, the cult, and the Cenobites. They are guided in their investigation by a mysterious character known only as The Auditor, who seems to be manipulating the detectives towards a darker purpose.

In addition to the main storyline, there are several subplots that explore the personal lives of the detectives, including Sean's struggles with addiction and David's guilt over the death of his sister. These subplots help to flesh out the characters and give the audience a deeper understanding of their motivations.

The film employs a very dark and gritty visual style that is in keeping with the other films in the Hellraiser franchise. The makeup and special effects are also top-notch, with the Cenobites being particularly well-designed and unsettling.

The acting is generally strong, with Damon Carney and Randy Wayne both turning in solid performances as the two detectives. Alexandra Harris is also impressive as the enigmatic and seductive cult member Emma, while horror icon Heather Langenkamp has a brief but memorable cameo as a landlady.

One of the biggest strengths of Hellraiser: Judgment is its willingness to take risks with the franchise. The film introduces several new elements, such as the Auditor and a new set of Cenobites, while still maintaining the signature Hellraiser feel.

However, the film is not without its flaws. There are several scenes that feel unnecessarily long or drawn out, and the pacing can be uneven at times. Additionally, some viewers may be put off by the film's explicit violence and gore.

Overall, Hellraiser: Judgment is a strong entry in the Hellraiser franchise that is sure to please fans of the series. With its dark and gritty visuals, strong performances, and willingness to take risks with the source material, it stands as one of the better horror films of 2018.