Hellraiser

What’s it about?

Riley steals a mysterious puzzle box from a storage unit owned by a missing billionaire. Unaware of the box’s origin, Riley activates the box summoning sadistic supernatural creatures from another dimension. When her brother is taken she is forced to face the horrors coming from within the box.

The facts

• Director: David Bruckner
• Runtime: 116 minutes
• This is a reboot of the classic 1987 supernatural horror film Hellraiser

Why did it get this rating?

Graphic violence

Characters experience a wide range of physical harm with lots of blood.

Examples include characters being strung up and wounded by chains and razor wire, and being stabbed, impaled, skinned and exploded. Some of these details are shown close up.

Horror

The creatures are heavily disfigured. Their skin is peeled back, exposing their flesh and bones.

The creatures’ leader is Pinhead, a bald female with pins stuck into her head. She has an evil otherworldly voice and is the only creature who speaks.

The film has a sense of unease and uses menacing music, dim lighting and jump scares to enhance the horror tone and atmosphere.

Cruelty

Many of the characters experience significant cruelty throughout the film.

Examples include a character who has been tortured by a device for years begging the creatures to end their suffering. Another character is strung up by hooks that are attached to their shoulders and ankle, causing them to scream in terror and pain.

Sex

There are two sex scenes which do not show much detail. The film also contains brief non-sexual nudity.

There are hints of sadomasochism in some dialogue that refers to pain bringing pleasure.

Offensive language

There is frequent highly offensive language. “F**k”, “sh*t”, “a**hole” and “bastard” are the most frequently used words.

Further information

• Why are ratings important for me and my whānau?