The Void of the Womb Births a Devil: A Film Review

*full disclosure: an online screener of this film was provided by Screen Media Films.

Directors/writers: Jeremy Gillespie and Steven Kostanski.

Cast: Kathleen Munroe, Ellen Wong, Kenneth Welsh, Aaron Poole, Art Hindle and Stephanie Belding.

The Void is an upcoming horror release, from Canadian filmmakers Astron 6. This team has been responsible for a number of decent horror features, including: Manborg (2011), Father's Day (2011), The Editor (2014) and others. Their latest film deals with the horrors of birth and the possible aftermath of death? The film does not have an answer to mortality, or immortality, though. Much of the film takes place in hell and veteran horror fans will see some of Clive Barker's Hellraiser (1987), here. In costume, makeup and setting, this film wears its influences on its sleeve. This viewer enjoyed the practical effects, in the film. But, the film's theme and message comes across as convoluted, for at least one viewer. The Void is a strong visual feature, which struggles with some of its overarching message.

This critic wants to create a new sub-genre, in the horror world; the Birth Horror movie or Birthing Horror movie is a necessary classification. This viewer has seen a number of films, in the horror genre, that deal with the complications of birth. In film's like Grace (2009), one woman struggles with a stillbirth, in a horrifying way. This sub-genre also often involves birthing the Devil, or a demon. In Rosemary's Baby (1968), the protagonist gives birth to the Devil. This devilish trend continues in terrifying fashion with Gareth Edwards' "Safe Haven." In The Void, there is this focus on the difficulties of birth. The protagonist and the villain have each lost a child, due to the complications of pregnancy. Another character, Beverly (Stephanie Belding), nearly loses her child. But later, she gives birth to what is described as the "Devil's daughter." The Birth Horror movie emerges from the problems of pregnancy: miscarriage, still birth, premature birth and others. And, Birth Horror movies capitalize on the fears surrounding these problems.

Hellish monsters loom under the hospital.

The story, in The Void, focuses on two characters. Daniel (Aaron Poole) has lost a child with his wife, Allison. Meanwhile, Doctor Powell (Kenneth Welsh) has also lost a daughter. Both characters meet in a burnt out wreck of a hospital. They are enemies, but Daniel does not know this, initially. In the hospital, a virus is spreading through the staff. One woman is turned, off-screen by Doctor Powell, into something hideous. Meanwhile, cult-like figures haunt the hospital's grounds. Many of the characters do their best to deal with one bloody challenge, after another. Soon, most of the male characters are descending a darkened stairway into Hell, with the Devil offering an obtuse line or two. Even for Satan, mortality, or immortality are difficult topics to cover.

A number of reviews have mentioned a few influences within The Void. This viewer noticed Clive Barker's Hellraiser, most strongly. In the third act, Doctor Powell is looming in a darkened room. His face has had its skin peeled and he appears in a long flowing black robe. The visuals suggest another character - Pinhead. The fact that much of the third act takes place in Hell also connects this title to this earlier film, in setting. Many of the minor villains appear in pain as if in Hell, while Doctor Powell's voice booms, again very much like Pinhead. It is easy to see the connection between both Hellraiser and The Void, in costume, setting and characters.

This viewer also enjoyed the practical effects within this title. All of the giant, monstrous costumes look well designed. Some monsters appear as a tentacled blob. Others look like distorted bodies. Makeup effects are equally well done. A throat slash is especially bloody as one character turns on another. A final confrontation between the Devil's daughter and the few remaining characters combines the spectacular costumes and blood effects. And, the visuals are the film's strongest feature.

The Void is slated for an upcoming release in the United Kingdom and United States, shortly. Canadians can see the film, in March, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Further release dates will be announced soon. And, if fans are in the mood for a decent monster feature or Birthing Horror feature, then they should take a look at this latest Astron 6 production. Others in search of stronger narrative themes might want to search farther afield. The Void struggles with the topic of mortality and immortality, with characters slipping back and forth between these two planes, with little trouble. Viewers are welcomed to take this trip to Hell. But, you might remain trapped there, because of the film's confusing story.

Overall: 6.5 out of 10.

A proof-of-concept trailer for the film: The Void Proof-of-concept Trailer on 28DLA

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Posted in: 2017,astron 6,hell,hellraiser,horror movie review,independent,indie,movie,movie review,review