Hellhole (2022) Review: Polish Horror Slow-Burn in a Monastery of Secrets

 Introduction

Hellhole (2022), directed by Bartosz M. Kowalski, invites viewers into a Polish monastery circa 1987, where an undercover police officer encounters a chilling series of disappearances and a sinister, occult undercurrent.

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Plot Overview
Set in an isolated monastery, Officer Marek poses as a priest to investigate the disappearance of young women. As Marek discovers ritualistic cover-ups and unsettling truths, the full darkness of the monastery’s history unravels. One horrific episode reveals victims hanging in a freezer and a conspiracy hinting at demonic rituals and portals to hell.(Wikipedia)

Why Hellhole Stands Out

Unnerving Atmosphere: Slow-building dread, minimalist dialogue, and eerie set design create an oppressive tension.(filthyhorrors.com)

Occult-Fueled Tension: The blending of religious iconography and supernatural elements offers a moody, ritualistic vibe rather than jump-scare tactics.(filthyhorrors.com, Wikipedia)

Thoughtful Pacing: While dialogue is sparse, each word carries weight. The climax rewards patient viewers with compelling resolution.(filthyhorrors.com)

Critiques
The deliberate pacing and modest production values may frustrate those seeking fast-paced thrills or elaborated visuals.(filthyhorrors.com)

Viewer Reactions
Reddit user r/horror captured the appeal best:

“I went in with zero expectations... by the end I was so surprised I wanted to rewatch it.”(Reddit)

Final Verdict
Hellhole offers a chilling, meditative horror experience steeped in occult dread. Not for fans of high-octane horror, but for those who savor atmosphere and unsettling revelations, it’s a haunting gem.