A Hard Place review

By Terry Sherwood

Directed and co-written by J. Horton A Hard Place is a film that thrives on its practical effects, makeup work, and a bunch of recognizable genre actors—even if its narrative is thin. The picture follows a group of criminals led by Zenia (Lynn Lowry) as they flee to a remote safehouse after a botched robbery, only to find themselves caught between a clan of backwoods rednecks and monstrous creatures. What follows is chaotic, gory, and horror romp, though one that struggles to elevate itself beyond its B-movie roots. Reminds me of those late ‘monster rally’ films House of Frankenstein and House of Dracula made by Universal Studios.  Those pictures were at the end of cycle that was changing,  A Hard Place is not which makes it  underwhelming. 

The film’s best assets are its special effects and cinematography. The tree monsters, practical creature suits with, bark-like textures, lending the film an old-school horror charm like the beastie for 1957’s Mexican  fun cheapie From Hell it Came. The gore is plentiful with limbs torn off, skeletons exposed, and heads flying around.

The lighting and cinematography also deserve praise. Early attack scenes in broad daylight create a contrast between the natural setting and the violence, while odd angles and dynamic framing enhance the look.  The film’s use of color pallet in the rednecks’ hideout adds to the pulpy comic effect much like EC Comics or a cover from Creepy/ Eerie magazines. 

The cast is a mix of horror veterans and newcomers, with Felissa Rose chewing scenery as the redneck Henrietta spilling silly dialogue with conviction. Lynn Lowry brings a commanding presence as Zenia, while Rachel Amanda Bryant’s Fish is the only criminal to root for. The redneck family, though cartoonishly exaggerated, provide some of the film’s most entertaining moments, leaning into their over-the-top roles with gusto.

Where A Hard Place falter is in its storytelling. The backbones of the story with outsiders trapped in a supernatural feud is a good beginning but underdeveloped. The plot moves predictably from one violent moment to another, with little in the way of surprises or exploration. The large cast means many characters are thin, making their deaths seem like just another moment. 

The film also indulges in a bizarre, opening featuring a zombie movie within the movie starring Bai Ling, which, is amusing, feels like an odd filler material 

Once the actual plot kicks in, the pacing is uneven with scenes dragging, while others rush 

A Hard Place delivers a gory, effects-driven horror with energy and a few standout moments. However, its lack of narrative depth and over-reliance on genre tropes keep it from being something interesting even for a moment. It’s worth a watch, just don’t expect much. 

On May 27, 2025, audiences across North America will be able to rent or own A Hard Place on Digital VOD, including Apple TV and Prime Video.