So the Hellboy is back but not with the grand expectations I had with this film. Set in the 1950s, “Hellboy: The Crooked Man” stars Jack Kesy as the iconic Hellboy, alongside his BPRD agent, Bobbie Jo Song, played by Adeline Rudolph. The story kicks off when the pair find themselves stranded in a small, isolated Appalachian community after a train accident involving a terrifying monster. Their journey to escape this rural backwater takes a dark turn as they uncover a sinister presence lurking in the shadows—an ancient demonic figure tied to the region’s eerie history of witchcraft.
As Hellboy and Bobbie Jo navigate the haunting landscape, they confront the terrifying Crooked Man, a malevolent force responsible for the local witch plague. With a cryptic and unsettling connection to Hellboy's mysterious past, the Crooked Man becomes more than just another adversary—it’s a figure that threatens to unearth long-buried secrets. As they fight to unravel the mystery and protect the townspeople from the growing evil, Hellboy faces a personal battle that goes beyond mere survival, forcing him to confront darker elements of his heritage. Even though the plot looks straight out of a fairy-tale book, this thrilling, supernatural adventure promises suspense, shocking revelations, and a deeper look into Hellboy’s origins.
Naturally, Hellboy is the central focus and the main draw of “The Crooked Man”. Far exceeding expectations set by the initial promotional material, his makeup and practical effects are impressively detailed, bringing the beloved character to life in a way that feels authentic and true to his comic roots. Jack Kesy, in particular, delivers a standout performance, capturing Hellboy's gruff yet charismatic persona with a fresh energy that sets his portrayal apart from previous versions. Kesy strikes a balance between Hellboy's sardonic wit and his underlying vulnerability, making this iteration both memorable and engaging for fans and newcomers alike. His nuanced performance not only honors the iconic character but also breathes new life into the role, cementing his place as a strong addition to the Hellboy legacy.
There are a few standout supporting characters in this film who add depth to the narrative. Jefferson White delivers a compelling performance as Tom Ferrell, a haunted war veteran grappling with inner demons that parallel the supernatural forces at play. His backstory is rich with emotional weight, making him one of the more intriguing characters in the film. Equally captivating is Leah McNamara as Effie Kolb, Tom’s former lover who has since embraced the dark arts and become a witch. Her character’s journey from love to malevolence is complex and fascinating, enhanced by McNamara’s strong portrayal. Both roles are backed by solid performances, elevating their impact and adding layers of intrigue to the film’s folklore.
One notable issue is the underdevelopment of Bobbie Jo Song’s character, which leaves her feeling somewhat sidelined in the overall narrative. While introduced as a promising, supernatural-obsessed partner to Hellboy, her potential is never fully realized. Overall the plot lacks depth and is just another supernatural film. The plot doesn’t offer anything new and at one point also feels like an adventure film.
Final Score- [5/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times