The Hollow Child

The Hollow Child is a gripping and suspenseful horror movie directed by Jeremy Lutter which was released in 2017. It stars the talented Jess McLeod, Hannah Cheramy, and John Emmet Tracy who embody their characters with great conviction, adding the needed thrill to the narrative.

The plot revolves around the life of a troubled foster teen, Samantha, characterized by Jess McLeod, who finds herself embroiled in a series of eerie occurrences. Samantha, who is eagerly trying to fit into her new foster family, has a stubborn and sassy demeanor that helps her navigate through the challenges and mysteries she encounters.

Hannah Cheramy stars as Olivia, the young adorable yet fiery adopted sister of Samantha. Olivia looks up to her big sister and their bond grows stronger until one day when Olivia disappears mysteriously in the nearby woods. This disappearance sparks the unsettling events in the movie. When Olivia returns home couple of days later, Samantha suspects her sister is not the same as before. Samantha is convinced that something about Olivia is frighteningly different and the one who returned may not be Olivia at all.

John Emmet Tracy, who plays the girls’ source of support and stability, has an intense role that keeps the pulse of the movie. The fatherly figure tries to navigate through the dynamics of the family and the tension that builds up as Samantha begins to notice the uncanny changes in her sister.

The Hollow Child stands out for its ability to weave in the elements of folklore and myths which are deeply integrated into the storyline. It takes on a chilling, slow-burning narrative, methodically building tension and fear. The movie beautifully captures the enchanting and ominous forests which creates an unsettling atmosphere to drive the horror in the plot forward. Crafted with a haunting cinematography, it enthralls the audience into a compelling and subtly disturbing world. The movie also explores themes of family, identity, and the struggle to belong, adding depth to the horror genre.

The director, Jeremy Lutter, has made excellent use of suspense to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. His narrative follows the classic horror tropes but manages to keep them fresh and unnerving. The Hollow Child is an exploration of psychological terror rather than relying on outright gore. It focuses on stirring the imagination of the viewer, leaving them with an unsettling feeling that lingers long after the movie has ended.

The performances by the actors give life to this unsettling narrative. Jess McLeod holds the plot together with her commendable performance. She convincingly portrays her character's bravery and intelligence in the face of terrifying adversity. Hannah Cheramy's performance is exceptionally spooky; as she shifts from a sweet little girl to an eerie presence, you are left engrossed, yet chilled to the bone. John Emmet Tracy's calm demeanor and sympathetic portrayal further adds to the authenticity of the family dynamic.

The film also impresses with its remarkable sound design. The score maintains an eerie aura, providing an ominous background for dark anticipation. It is subtly crafted to keep the audience on tenterhooks, accompanying the chilling narrative.

In conclusion, The Hollow Child is a commendable addition to folklore horror which in recent times has found immense popularity in the genre. It is a thoughtfully layered movie that engages the audience not just with its horror elements but also the profound narrative surrounding family bonds, identity, and acceptance. The film successfully adds a new, innovative spin to the genre, making it a watchworthy one for anyone who appreciates a mix of psychological horror, suspense, and drama in their movie catalogue.