Hellriser (2017)
Directed by Steve Lawson · 2017 · Steven Dolton, Charlie Bond, Georgia Annable, Nathan Head, Raven Lee
Directed by Steve Lawson in 2017, Hellriser is a gritty, low-budget horror film rooted in the occult thriller tradition of 1980s and 1990s indie horror. The story follows veteran detective John Locke (Steven Dolton) and his young partner Terri Keyes (Georgia Annable) as they investigate a string of brutal, ritualistic murders that lead them to a derelict asylum now owned by the sinister Dr. Unnseine. There, Nazi-inspired 'medical research' is being conducted on unwilling inmates, blurring the line between human cruelty and supernatural horror. Among the victims is Annie Dyer (Raven Lee), a seductive yet lethal inmate who may be connected to a portal to Hell — though the film never confirms this, leaving it ambiguously implied. The tone is grim, atmospheric, and deliberately slow-burning, relying on practical effects and claustrophobic interiors to evoke dread rather than jump scares. Its style evokes the gritty realism of early Cronenberg and the occult grit of films like The Keep, with a raw, unpolished aesthetic that appeals to fans of cult horror and analog-era terror. Hellriser suits viewers who appreciate character-driven tension over spectacle, and who value atmospheric dread over exposition. It’s a niche offering for those drawn to obscure, unvarnished horror with a disturbing historical undercurrent.
Why it’s worth watching
Hellriser (2017) stands out as a rare, uncompromising entry in modern indie horror, anchored by strong performances from Steven Dolton and Georgia Annable. Director Steve Lawson crafts a tense, mood-driven narrative that leans into its limited budget with effective set design and chilling ambiguity. The film’s Nazi-medical-horror angle, while not overplayed, adds a disturbing historical weight rarely seen in low-budget fare. With a tight 75-minute runtime, it delivers a focused, unnerving experience without filler. Fans of atmospheric, character-based horror — especially those who appreciate films like The Beyond or The Wicker Man — will find its grim tone and eerie pacing compelling.
Trivia
- Directed by Steve Lawson
- Released in 2017
- Runtime: 75 minutes
- Starring Steven Dolton, Georgia Annable, and Raven Lee
- Genres: Horror