Hollow (2021) User Reviews

An average of '3' in over 200 ratings should tell you something... GREAT title sequence, lousy film...

[lathe-of-heaven · 3/10 · 29 May 2022]

Not much to say here except clearly the reviews giving this film 8's, 9's, & 10's are in the extreme minority. If I had seen the ratings here first, I really wouldn't have bothered to watch the damn movie 😊

Like I mention above, the title sequence is great! One of the best I've seen. The sound & visuals of the title sequence really give you a nice Retro Horror feel like some of the Classic Full Moon films. But, honestly that is about where it ends. What I truly did not care for in this film was that although the director/filmmakers are trying really hard to create a catchy visual style, as a whole in my lowly and wretched opinion, it simply does not work. As the movie progresses, you realize that it is just a stitching together of a number of short scenes, none of them really carrying any true weight whatsoever. Don't get me wrong, I normally love really ambiguous movies where it seems very mysterious and you don't really know what's going on, but this is not the case here. It is just a bunch of what I feel are very stilted, disjointed scenes where, again, you can see the director really trying for almost a stylized look, which if it actually WORKED would be fine. But, it just doesn't...

When I was trying to decide if I wanted to see it, I read some reviews where it seemed like there might be a good story here. I mean, a guy making puppets out of people and the old lady in the story having a fear of puppets, AND the fact that I frigg'n LOVE Horror movies with puppets in them! But, no... The fact is that the film is so unappealing in it's feel and look that you simply don't even get that far with all the very awkward scenes leading up to it. And one last thing, and this is probably just more of a personal dislike, but I REALLY do not like movies where the sound design is SO bloody cranked up that you hear EVERY tiny little movement or rustle of clothing or whatever. The reason why is because it comes across as extremely unnatural and to me anyway it just takes one completely out of the film. Just my sensitivity to that I guess...

So, yeah... A current average rating of '3' should indeed be telling you something. Basically, DON'T believe the clearly inauthentic high ratings and reviews that are posted here, because obviously most people really think this is a very bad film if over 200 people have given it an average rating of '3'...

What a snoozefest

[evilernie667 · 2/10 · 25 June 2022]

I understand that it is an indy film on a small budget but this film was just boring. Had a hard time not falling asleep while I waited for something exciting to happen.

Nice cover art, lol

[Devils_Mentor · 1/10 · 17 May 2022]

Nothing says, "Awesome and Original," like stealing other movie's posters and making it you own.

I guess that since Drag Me to Hell is over over 10 years old, they think people had forgotten and would not have noticed, that they ripped off a Sam Raimi film... no one forgets a Sam Raimi film, lol...

negative 5

[Vlad_Imirivan · 1/10 · 17 May 2022]

What a load of 💩 Tried as a may Best advise, ignore the 'troll' hype there was nothing except frustration for something to happen and frustration wasting time.

Save your time n life this is junk.

Should have read the reviews first!

[michaelpattrick · 1/10 · 18 May 2022]

This dreary piece of "art" was hard to sit through when all I knew about it was that something dark and possibly related to supernatural or dragons had been lurking in the shadows, finding out that it was nothing but a couple of mid life crisis wannabe "Artists" made me crave my time back.

Another home made video ......

[deafo · 5/10 · 19 May 2022]

Their special effects has improved a bit but their acting need to improve more. It's like sitting at home watching their movie as a family or as their friend.

Worst film ever

[challis28 · 1/10 · 10 June 2022]

Just when I thought I had seen the worst movie ever, another bad movie comes up. This one.

This movie is so bad, Im glad I did my dishing at the same time,or I would have cried for all the time I lost to see this film.

As someone wrote there is a lot of troll reviews of this film...It seems like the cast have given themself 10 stars for this movie.. As someone else wrote its like seeing a homemovie of someones family.

All the actors are really bad, I think my family would have done a much better job as actors.

The movie is full of scenes of closeups shots of peoples eyes all the time..The camera goes round and round, with weird angles.

The best directors can do movies without that low,low very,low budget feeling, but I cant say that about this director.

The music is bad. The story is weird,its not even original, Ive seen many similar movies from American horror movies.

Save your precious time ..dont see this movie.

Who was the target audience?

[fluffchop · 1/10 · 1 January 2023]

This is a movie about grandma as the lead character. It's a long way from a tits and ass horror movie. It's slow, it's boring, it's endless episodes of confusion from the lead character. Just who was this movies target audience? This really deserves a 3/10 that it has on here. It's really disturbing with the dimensia and it's a touching tale blah blah but really if you live with elderly parents this just isn't the slightest bit entertaining. It's just really sad. And the movie is really dull and uninteresting. I didn't enjoy it, didn't like watching it, really wasn't interested and was glad when it was over.

Delicious "Hollow" left me truly full up!

[agbogardus · 10/10 · 18 May 2022]

I watched "Hollow" back when it was initially named "Wyvern Hill" and still had the completely scrumptious poster art by Mark Stewart. As an independent Horror fan and British film buff who worked in Dementia Care as a specialty back in the day, I was chomping at the bit for a film that served up all three of these subjects on the same plate. Johnathan Zaurin does this perfectly.

Set against the lush green and hauntingly beautiful background of Herefordshire, I could almost smell the mist and drear of my former homeland and shivered with delight and pulled my cardigan tight around me as the story of Beth and her family unfolded so deeply and darkly in front of my eyes. The Cinematography was sweeping and the colors made my eyes happy. I ate each sequence up with a spoon.

The mystery and anticipation coupled with the astounding soundtrack by Michael Sanchez swept me up and forward into a dizzying nightmare of broken brain illness and tangled memories of the past and an all to real monstrous threat.

Pat Garret as Beth is so vulnerable and real, she is all of our Mummies and Nannies swirled together and I truly hurt for her watching her journey through this confusing and mesmerizing turn of life. Brilliant portrayal.

The rest of the ensemble, are just as authentic pulling together in a very genuine way to bring us an original and terrifying tale. Such pathos! Talented bunch!

This is one of my very favorite films ever. I cannot understand the negative reviews on here from folks who seem to have watched an altogether different film. They are wrong. Give this one a watch. Bathe in the beauty and colors and swim in the music and feeling. Oh, and be careful... There's a killer on the loose and it's bloody wonderful.

Not my cup of tea, but very well done

[gpwynty · 7/10 · 18 May 2022]

Must confess, not what I expected initially.

It's a very out there type of film that I think appeals more to an audience I'm not a part of.

That being said, speaking purely from my experience of watching it, there were several moments when I was really gripped. The sound design was brilliantly done and really helped to give me a sense of dread and unease as the more insidious and scary parts of the plot unfolded. Some of the scenes were shot to be down right unsettling, and I was really sucked in at several points.

The ending genuinely shook me, and overall I'd say that this film is a worthwhile experience to see.

I understand that this film was done with minimal funding and resource as well, and you really can't tell from the end product as it was very well put together. This is a Director that can well and truly punch above his weight.

Great Indie flick

[deanok · 8/10 · 18 May 2022]

A very original story...with some great performances. Especially the lead Pat Garret.... A real triumph from DirectorJonathan Zaurin.

This is what a real indie film is all about..Great storylines and amazing acting. I'm sure it didn't cost millions to make .but Low budget doesn't mean low Quality .

I Would definitely recommend this film if you appreciate great story telling. The writer Director is definitely one to watch. . ..... .

Outstanding achievement

[PhilipMartin81 · 10/10 · 18 May 2022]

Wyvern Hill (aka Hollow) is an incredible feat of filmmaking and teaches us what can truly be achieved on such a minimal budget.

I've watched the directors earlier works/short films and can see he was leading us up to something brilliant.

Those who only enjoy gallons of CGI and regurgitated "typical" story lines that save you from having to think about what you're watching need not apply.

This is a film made from pure passion and effort, and as a low-budget filmmaker myself I can say how incredibly difficult this must have been to pull off. But they did it. And they did it with all the psychological horror-loving style they could muster.

It was a great turn out from the actors and all the crew involved and raises the bar for any ambitious filmmaker attempting to "do a feature" on a shoe string. For the majority, you just can't. You may think you can. But you can't. The camerawork, the acting, the colour grade, the audio, the story (the story!!!) - all of these elements must be on form and work together in harmony. And Jonathan and his team have managed it and sit among the few who have.

Give this watch. Sit back, don't be distracted, and learn how it's done.

Stunning and original

[ben-427-950985 · 10/10 · 29 May 2022]

Must admit, I got a bit confused seeing quite a few low scores/reviews for one of those rare films I would label a masterpiece. But checking out 'official' reviews I've only seen positive write-ups so I'm guessing the low scores are bots or trolls or maybe the odd person that just didn't get it. Hopefully the average score will rise to what it should be as more people watch this brilliant piece of filmmaking.

To be both a disturbing horror and also a touching story of Alzheimer's is an incredible achievement but that's what this film does. There's some great performances in here, clever effects, and the cinematography and direction is simply stunning. The amazing score is just the icing on the cake.

Apparently this was low budget (I don't know specifically how low) but from seeing this I certainly hope they give Jonathan Zaurin LOTS of money soon to make more of this kind of thing. Original, refreshing, moving and disturbing. What more could you ask for?

A great feature debut

[richpmatt76 · 8/10 · 18 July 2022]

In the vein of Following and Evil Dead, except even more micro-budget, Wyvern Hill belies it's lack of budget to offer a feature directing debut that makes the prospect of Zaurin's next film (hopefully and presumably with more money) quite enticing.

More cerebral than most cheap horrors, this is what early De Palma would have produced if tasked with a rural psychological horror about dementia. You shouldn't go in expecting the slickest jump scare fest or the sickest exploitation flick but something more considered, operatic and abstract. So much so that's it clear many reviewers here have either misunderstood or not paid full attention. The worst that could be said is that this is not for you; it is NOT a badly made movie. I would defy most people to be able to be this assured and effective directing this kind of micro budget horror. It's better than a lot of horror made for 100 times the budget. It's only cinematic crime is respecting its audience.

Be open minded, engage your brain and get ready to be chilled and disturbed.

AN EXCELLENT FILM WELL MADE

[DJBigAndy63 · 9/10 · 19 May 2022]

I love this film. It is a great depiction of someone suffering with the onset of Alzheimer's disease and the way that it can quickly overwhelm and take control of your life. It is a slow burner, not a typical slash and blood type of horror film. I love the way that it because increasingly difficult for both her and us to tell the difference between the lead character's hallucinations and reality. The end section of the film is brilliantly done and makes a great ending to the film.

Is it perfect? No, hence the 9/10 rating. Is it an amazingly good film, made for less money than most companies spend on make-up for a film and made during a world wide pandemic? OMG yes!

I personally am looking forward to see what they do next.

Loved it loved it loved it!!

[evetsie-42973 · 9/10 · 18 May 2022]

Firstly where are these bad reviews coming from!. Having read an article about this movie which talks about the very small budget they shot it on and as a fan of low budget horror I was intrigued to see it! Firstly as someone who works with production it no way resembles a movie shot on a low budget. It's beautifully crafted and the Mood is reflected in the superb DOP work and music. The premise behind the movie is very original which keeps the viewer guessing all the way through trying to figure out what's real and what's imaginary. It's beautifully acted with some lovely tender moments between mother and daughter and the inner family struggles dealing with a family crisis. It builds and builds to some proper intense scenes made more frightening by surreal imagery and haunting music. It's a hidden gem!! I recommend it to any horror fan out there!

Ignore the idiots

[ceshaver71 · 10/10 · 18 May 2022]

I honestly cannot understand the reviews that have been posted. I truly believe that people either are not really watching the film or just get their kicks from being a keyboard warrior and trying to tear people down. This is without a doubt one of the most ambitious independent films I have ever seen. The production value is probably 100 times what was spent to make this film. The acting is on point, the cinematography is absolutely beautiful, the editing is so smooth that you don't even realize the runtime is close to two hours. The story is intricate and well woven. I have seen a number of "Hollywood features" that cannot even hold a candle to the finished product of this film. It is a beautifully crafted horror film with all of the elements that we love. Ignore these people and make a decision for yourself. This is definitely worth your time.

A true psychological roller coaster!

[sgrichards-01710 · 10/10 · 21 May 2022]

From the very outset, you know you are in for a true psychological horror!

If you truly want a "hide behind the sofa" horror, look no further.

How these guys managed to create a truly great horror film on the tiny budget and in such difficult conditions I will never know!

This shows the independent movie scene is alive and well and releasing some truly brilliant filme that will go on to be cult classics!

A demonstration of how the words 'low budget' mean nothing when there is a great film maker is involved.

[pabloraybould · 9/10 · 5 November 2021]

I was involved with this because I actually really wanted to be. I had seen 'Santa Baby', Zaurin's (pronounced Zaurin) horrific short and saw that this guy knew what he was doing. The shots were well thought out, Keith Temple's story was well told and emotive and then after Jonathon gored it up and left the story intact it made for a horror with a great narrative which is pretty unusual nowadays. Locations, sets, casting and practical effects (by Ben Errington) are superb. An original and superbly made film.

Pat Garrett is fantastic

[twoodfine-02881 · 9/10 · 19 May 2022]

First time seeing Pat in a movie was truly amazed by her acting abilities..very believable ..much love to all the actors ..enjoyed the movie greatly..watched from Canada xo.

Indie British Horror

[indiekid21 · 8/10 · 8 November 2021]

A deliciously dark independent British Horror with a fantastic performance from Pat Garrett, who shoulders the film's storyline and metaphors with ease.

The story can get a little muddled, so be sure to pay attention, but there's one fantastical dinner scene that blends the likes of Texas Chainsaw with a Mad Hatter's Tea Party that will sure to stick out and shock.

Amazing film

[scottywalker-39756 · 10/10 · 20 May 2022]

Had the chance to watch this film and review for a podcast,, it is such a great film, amazing acting, I could spend hours saying how much I like this film, but it's will never do it justice,, amazing film!!!

A lofty, ambitious film that does wonders considering the budget

[moulinie-11974 · 8/10 · 20 June 2022]

Wyvern Hill is, first and foremost, a beautiful homage to the Giallo films of the past. From the opening sequence - which, when one considers the budget in particular - is utterly sublime, the audience is lured in to this mesmeric, hypnotic violent and lofty puzzlebox of a film.

If you're into Lynch or Agento, you'll certainly get something out of this. If you're looking for the next Friday the 13th, you're in the wrong neighbourhood.

The direction is mostly superb, with a hyper-stylised - but visually pleasing - look that really elevates the film above most within the same genre and budgetary situation. This would be pointless style if there was no substance, but there is.

Beth is an incredibly well-acted, and very well-written character. Her personal story, and attachment to the wider narrative gives the film a personal, character-driven narrative you never really tend to get in this sub-genre of cinema. Add that to the symbolic use of Wyverns - and what they represent in mythology - and you have a film that justifies its violence and style by crafting a genuinely poignant tale. A tale though, that will require a lot of thought to make sense of.

Patterson is bloody brilliant, which actually has the somewhat negative effect of drowning out the rest of the cast who look a bit ropey in comparison.

This is all punctuated by a near-perfect soundtrack. It knows when to be loud, when to be quiet - other than one unfortunate example at the end, where the antagonist gives a speech I could not hear a word of.

No film is perfect, and this one does have a few flaws. And in the interest of being an honest review - not a biased appraisal, I'll mention them here.

The scenes between the young couples - both of them - always feel a little flat. The writing is a bit more generic, the actors not as strong. There wasn't a lot of on-screen chemistry, and you just kept waiting for Beth to re-appear, as that's when the film was at its best.

Some of the editing could do with tightening - some scenes feel a bit longer than they actually need to be. Trimming 15 minutes would have probably helped.

I'm also one for puzzle-boxes, but there is something that bothers me about the relationship between Beth and Mr. Punch - and that's why he kills people not related to her. I had a fan theory on what's happening, but it doesn't really work because of those extra murders. It muddles the plot a bit, whereas if he'd ONLY killed people with a direct connection to her, it would be easier to devise a working theory.

I praise this film though, for its ambitiousness, respect to the genre it pays homage too, and what they achieved on such a small budget.

Highly recommend a watch.

A modern masterpiece of suspense

[singhlall · 9/10 · 1 March 2022]

This is a truly unique and beautiful film that although in the Horror genre, it deals with the issues of dementia combined with serial killers and dragon folklore. The film is super stylish with some amazing cinematography. The main lead gives the performance of a lifetime. Do check this out.

A movie which manages to free itself from its own restrictions to become absolutely free.

[pierrejacquet · 8/10 · 12 December 2021]

After several short films made under the banner of the fantasy-horror genre, Wyvern Hill retitled Hollow for the sake of a wider distribution, mark Jonathan's first step into the feature film arena.

The story of Beth, suffering with Alzheimer, and of her crumbling world opens the door to a metaphorical tale, odd mix of the study of the study of the slow erosion of her family relationships caused by her disease and a significant homage to the slasher, a genre identified through precise narrative and visual codes.

It is always complicated talking about films that have been lead and directed by friends, the knowledge you have of their taste and of their claim over a certain kind of cinema can lead to a bias in the appreciation one can have of the final results.

Produced with a super low budget of just £5000, the film is most and foremost a tribute to the cinephilia that shaped the director on his professional and personal path, with the strong conviction and desire of fully embracing his multiple references anchored deep within.

Wyvern Hill suffers perhaps from a slightly stretched out narrative but is used as a fertile ground for carefully crafted framing and lighting inherited directly from the Giallo and the cinema of Dario Argento, while its finale is reminiscent of the sickly and sensory excess of George Romero, one of Jonathan's filmic gurus.

In an increasingly formatted cinematic landscape, the production alternative on show here demonstrates not only a strong desire to exist but denotes the unbreakable faith of a director who does not stop refining his art within his own learning and in approaching a genre which he systematically questions, with a truly personal vision, even if his generosity impacts a pace which could have sometimes been tightened.

But as it is, Wyvern Hill is the demonstration of a cinema which manages to free itself from its own restrictions to become absolutely free.

In 2021, I don't need to tell you how precious this is, it deserves to be preserved.