Hellraiser (1987)

Directed by:
Clive Barker

Written by:
Clive Barker (from his own story)

Main Cast:
Clare Higgins, Ashley Laurence, Andrew Robinson, Sean Chapman, Oliver Smith, Robert Hines, and Doug Bradley

The Plot:
Married couple Larry (Andrew Robinson) and Julia Cotten (Clare Higgins) move into a creaky old house, where Julia discovers a blood-sucking monster hiding in the attic. Upon further investigation, the creature is revealed to be Julia's former lover, Frank (Sean Chapman), who also happens to be Larry's brother. Frank - after escaping from Hell, and the clutches of Pinhead and his demonic band of Cenobites - must now feast on human blood to regain his human form. Julia reluctantly agrees the provide to murdered bodies for this purpose.

The Review:
The particulars of the plot, at least on paper, don't sound very sophisticated. After all, it is centered around a gang of demons whose very costumes and modus operandi are inspired by S&M.

However, with the exception of its first sequel, Hellbound: Hellraiser II, the franchise's terrible five sequels have done nothing to tarnish the reputation of Clive Barker's grim, atmospheric original. Hellraiser remains an effective and downright nasty piece of work, with writer/director Barker's trademark Gothic visuals playing an important role in the movie's success. The deliberate pacing proves vital in building an atmosphere of dread, and it pays off with a macabre and frightening climax.

Ashley Laurence, as the estranged daughter, turns in a strong performance, and one would be remiss to overlook Doug Bradley's work as the iconic Pinhead. British stage veteran Clare Higgins steals it as the deliciously evil Julia, intent on bringing her beloved back to life, at any cost.

 ***1/2 out of ****