The Hallow (2015) Horror 6.7/10 ⭐A creepy folk horror masterpiece that sticks with you

October 28, 2026

The Hallow (2015) Horror 6.7/10 ⭐A creepy folk horror masterpiece that sticks with you

The Hallow (2015) Horror

A creepy folk horror masterpiece that sticks with you

6.7 out of 10 stars Time to read: 2:45

BASIC PLOT:

Adam Hitchens (Joseph Mawle) is a woodland conservationist, and has just relocated to rural Ireland for work. He's moved his family here, his wife Clare (Bojana Novakovic), baby Finn and dog Iggy. They are a happy and loving couple, and after being in their new home for a little over a month, the only real problem they've had is with a neighbor, Colm Donnelly (Michael McElhatton). He's been repeatedly harassing them, telling Adam to stay out of the forest, and to never take baby Finn in the woods at all. Adam dismisses Colm, thinking his warnings are due to the loss of Colm's daughter, Cora, who went into the forest, and never returned. But there is more to Colm's warnings than grief and superstition. The longer they stay, the stranger the happenings. There are things that live in the dark, and we tell ourselves they don't exist, at least in the light of day.

WHAT WORKS:

*JOSEPH MAWLE HAS AN UNUSUAL FACE and when it's transformed, it becomes horrifying. It's not an unattractive face, but he does have a unique countenance, which he plays as a foilability. This softens the character, making women worry for him (at least it did me).

Adam Hitchens (Joseph Mawle)

*I BELIEVED IN ADAM'S ACTIONS, even when I disagreed with them. Adam doesn't think things through (very much like many new fathers I've known), and there are dire consequences to his actions. His conduct is from INEXPERIENCE, not malice, or even stupidity. This is NOT bad writing! Even though I was yelling at the screen, "get that baby out of there!", I never once didn't believe that his actions were genuine (something that a real person might do). New Daddy's aren't used to thinking for two, and sometimes make poor decisions.

I believed Adam would really make these mistakes
as a new father

I cared and empathized about this family

*I EMPATHIZED WITH THE FAMILY

Even though we don't know much about the Hitchen's family, I know enough to care about them. Adam is involved in the day to day raising of his child, the couple seems to love each other, and that was enough for me to hope they make it. I would've liked to know more about ALL of the characters (including the Hallows), and would gladly have sacrificed some of the running around the forest scenes to get that character development. It's a shame we didn't get it, because I think the movie would've rated higher if we did.

Would've sacrificed some of the running around
the forest scenes for more character development

Adam's even sympathetic like this!

But since it looks like this is Corin Hardy first full length writing & directing credit, I have to give him kudos for it. This film sticks with you, and you remember it when you're outside in a dark, creepy locale. That's not an easy accomplishment to do to life long horror fans (like me).

Corin Hardy - writer/director

Colm is threatening, while also being sympathetic

*THE PREMISE IS NOT SOMETHING I'VE SEEN BEFORE I've seen several other reviews purporting, "family stuck in the woods" is an over used trope. I disagree. This is NOT a family stranded in an unfamiliar location. They clearly state they've lived here for a month. That's enough time to relax in your new surroundings. Also, I've not seen this take on forest creatures, or fungus before. It's original, and came out before The Last of Us. This is NOT traditional horror, falling square in the folk horror category. If you're looking for traditional horror, look elsewhere.

I've not seen the fungus premise...

....or the zombie brain premise before...

...which is why it was terrifying!

*I'VE READ OTHER REVIEWS SAYING THIS IS TOO MUCH LIKE "FROM THE DARK"

I completely disagree! From the Dark is a substandard, terrible film. The only thing remotely similar about the two films is they both take place in Ireland, and both creatures don't like light. Other than that, there's nothing about them that's the same. (My review of From the Dark).

Unlike From the Dark, the creatures are revealed slowly...

... which makes them scarier.

There are just glimpses...

... impressions of them...

...and it is always scarier when you aren't
sure what you're seeing.

WHAT DOESN'T WORK:

*REMOVING THE BARS IS A DEUS EX MACHINA

Clare's decision to remove the bars is an obvious deus ex machina. I'm familiar with folk magic, and know iron wards off evil. But even if I didn't know this, I would not remove bars that were clearly put there for a reason, especially if I have a small child who will soon be walking. Maybe they are there to prevent animals from entering, either way, her decision to remove them seems arbitrary, and unbelievable.

Removing the iron bars is a misstep,
one of the few in the script

Would love to have more character development
about everyone, especially Colm...

....but I would also love to know more about Cora too...

... especially about the Hitchen's family...

...but also about the ancillary characters.

*COULD HAVE USED A FEW MORE SCENES OF CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

I'd like to know more about Adam and Clare. Why did he take this job? Where did he work before? A bit more of their backstory would've upped the emotional intensity. I'd also love to know more about Clara's abduction and the whole Donnelly clan. Not focusing on their story was a real missed opportunity.

TO RECOMMEND OR NOT TO RECOMMEND, THAT IS THE QUESTION:

I enjoyed The Hallow, and more than that, it scared me. Now, that may be because I had a disturbing paranormal encounter that involved trees, but it could also be because Corin Hardy did a fine job with his first writing/directing effort. If you like folk horror, you'll probably like this. But I don't think there's much here for traditional horror fans. There's no gore, no torture porn, no nudity. It's more of an atmospheric, with some disturbing special effects, and beautiful filmmaking. If that sounds like it might be for you, sit back and enjoy the interesting ride.

-Blondiee10 (I appreciate your opinions and comments about the review, it helps me understand other viewers)

When the creatures are revealed...

....they don't disappoint....

....they are both frightening...

.... and often sympathetic...

...although sometimes they're just mortifying.

CLOSING NOTES:

*THIS IS A LOW BUDGET MOVIE, please keep that in mind before you watch/rate it. small movies have a much lower budget, and so your expectations should be adjusted.

*I HAVE NO CONNECTION TO THE FILM, or production in ANY way. I'm not writing this as a favor, or because I was paid.

*CERTIFIED HUMAN WRITTEN REVIEW This review was NOT written in full, or in part, by a bot. I am just an honest viewer, who wishes for more straight forward reviews (less trolls and fanboys), and better entertainment. Hope I helped you out.