Amityville Hex (2021)
Directed by Tony Newton · 2021 · Shawn C. Phillips, Marcia Do Vales, Lloyd Kaufman, George Stover, Chad Ridgely
Directed by Tony Newton, *Amityville Hex* (2021) is a horror film rooted in the enduring legacy of the *Amityville* franchise, reimagined for the digital age. The film centers on a mysterious 'paranormal death hex' that gains rapid online attention, blurring the lines between folklore and modern viral phenomena. With a cast including Shawn C. Phillips, Marcia Do Vales, and Lloyd Kaufman, the narrative explores the escalating dread as the hex’s influence spreads, threatening lives and destabilizing reality. Newton’s approach blends classic horror tropes with contemporary themes of social media obsession and the commodification of fear. The film adopts a tense, atmospheric style, emphasizing eerie visuals and psychological unease, typical of 21st-century horror’s shift toward cerebral scares. While the plot remains anchored in the supernatural, its commentary on viral culture positions it as a timely entry in the genre. Best suited for audiences who appreciate slow-burn horror and meta-commentaries on modern anxieties, *Amityville Hex* avoids over-explanation, prioritizing mood and ambiguity over conventional resolution.
Why it’s worth watching
Tony Newton’s *Amityville Hex* offers a fresh twist on horror by merging the Amityville legacy with the perils of digital virality. Its eerie atmosphere and focus on modern fears make it compelling for fans of psychological horror. The cast delivers performances that balance tension and dread, while the film’s themes resonate in an era of social media saturation.
Trivia
- Directed by Tony Newton, known for blending horror with social commentary.
- Released in 2021, continuing the decades-long Amityville franchise legacy.
- Features Lloyd Kaufman, co-founder of Troma Entertainment, in a supporting role.
- Runtime of 108 minutes, typical for modern horror features.
- Cast includes indie horror regulars like Chad Ridgely and Veronica Ricci.