The 2008 comic book story The Crooked Man forms the basis for this one-shot Hellboy adventure, starring Jack Kesy as the supernatural superhero. Diverted from course during a mission through rural Appalachia, Hellboy and B.R.P.D agent Song (Adeline Rudolph) encounter a remote community controlled by a sinister entity known as the Crooked Man.
Directed by Brian Taylor (Crank; Mom and Dad) from a script co-written by creator Mike Mignola, this adaptation of the fan-favourite story stands alone from all previous attempts, jettisoning both the beloved Guillermo del Toro version and the less-loved (but still entertaining) Neil Marshall one. In embracing the story’s folk horror trappings, The Crooked Man emerges as one of the most faithful comic adaptations ever made – often replicating its beats word-for-word, and panel-for-panel.
The lower budget may prove a sticking point to those who know the character purely for his previous screen outings. From the uninspiring Hellboy make-up to the distracting CGI, its visual effects are hit-and-miss at best. Still, the less stylised action sequences result in a more grounded movie than previous entries, and its gloomy aesthetic is tonally more appropriate… even if it’s not as nice to look at.
The make-up may not always hold up, but Kesy does good work as the scarlet superhero, largely nailing the character’s laconic energy. That the actor gives Big Red a cadence not dissimilar to that of Ron Perlman doesn’t hurt either. The supporting cast aren’t so reliable, but The Fresh Prince star Joseph Marcell impresses as local priest Reverend Watts, and Martin Bassindale is appropriately grotesque as the titular Crooked Man – successfully translating Richard Corben’s unsettling character design for the screen.
What The Crooked Man lacks in blockbuster bombast, this ambitious comic book adaptation makes up for with gothic chills and bloody action straight out of an Evil Dead film. For all its budgetary constraints, it’s refreshing to see a film take an iconic comic book character and do something that’s so small in scale but essentially true to the spirit of the big guy.
Icon Film Distribution present HELLBOY: THE CROOKED MAN in UK cinemas on September 27th, 2024.
