What do you get when a black-and-white parody of 1930s “old dark house” movies slams headlong into a cheapo gorefest demonic possession plotline? A damn mess, but a decent time for those who love homages.
In Here Comes Hell, a gathering of the idle rich, plus one sensitive secretary, play some ill-advised supernatural games in a decrepit mansion, awakening an evil (and spectacularly cheesy) presence. It’s hard to tell exactly how much of the film’s ineptitude is intentional. The ridiculous special effects are clearly on purpose. The awkward pauses at the end of nearly every shot? If they’re intentional, I’m impressed with the filmmakers’ commitment.
Here Comes Hell screens tonight and Sunday night, at the 45th Seattle International Film Festival. For a breakdown of what’s showing these last few days of SIFF (which closes on Sunday night), visit The Stranger’s SIFF site.
