Delivers one of the best endings I’ve seen in a long time
One of my favorite films from this year’s Fantasia Film Festival also delivers one of the best endings I’ve seen in a long time. Just when you think you know where it’s headed—you don’t. Brock Bodell takes a premise we’ve seen countless times and spins it into one of the most original and refreshing takes on [Redacted], keeping you guessing what the hell is going on right up until the credits roll.
Hellcat follows Lena (Dakota Gorman) who was camping alone, and ends up waking up in the back of a camper. Clive (Todd Terry) speaking through a mounted wolf on the wall—tells her that something has happened and that he’s there to help. Naturally, Lena is suspicious and desperate to escape what appears to be a kidnapping. But can we trust Clive’s warm, soothing tone? Or is something wrong with Lena? Those questions slowly unravel as the film unfolds.
The story leans heavily on dialogue and mystery, but it’s Dakota Gorman’s performance that holds everything together. She brings a raw vulnerability to Lena, expressing fear, anger, and confusion as she tears through every inch of the confined space. She’s scrappy, impulsive, and completely captivating—you can’t help but root for her. Clive, however, adds a different kind of intrigue, and Todd’s ability to command attention with just his voice is genuinely impressive.
While most of this film takes place in the camper, the cinematography is captivating as you try and piece the puzzle together sorting through every inch of the camper in every shot. There’s one overhead shot in particular that stuck with me—you’ll know it when you see it. Bodell’s script has a lot to say, but revealing too much would ruin what makes Hellcat so effective: its mystery. It’s a slow-burn pressure cooker that builds tension steadily, culminating in a truly mind-blowing finale. As a feature directorial debut, it’s deeply impressive. I can’t wait to see what Brock Bodell does next.
3.5 Seths out of 5
Hellcat Made its North American Premiere at Fantasia Film Festival
