I wanted to love “The Hallow” (2015) more than I did. It has all of the attributes of a film that I’d love. It’s a creatively conceived, independent horror film, beautifully shot on location in the forests of Ireland. It portrays a family under attack in a gorgeously scenic isolated location at night. It’s got highly original story antagonists — grotesque monsters who seem birthed from Irish folklore and science fiction both. They’re rendered quite nicely with some great special visual and sound effects, and are truly frightening.
Yet, at times, my attention wandered. I’m not sure why. Maybe it was because the pacing was way off, maybe it was the story’s bland parent-protagonists. Maybe it was because the modus operandi for the monsters was confusing at first. I get the sense that “The Hallow” might have been more enjoyable had it been just slightly shorter.
It was still good, though. I’d give it a 7 out of 10.
If you do watch it, then continue to watch through the credits. There’s a really neat coda that adds a new and interesting level to the story.
Eric Robert Nolan, Author 