Hellcat Fantasia Review: A Familiar Tale

Hellcat boasts impressive imagery and a lead performance from Gorman, but it falters in the final stretch due to its lack of distinctiveness.

What makes the pair’s interactions interesting is the fact that Clive doesn’t seem all that menacing, nor does he wish to cause harm to Lena, despite the fact that he’s kidnapped her. In fact, he keeps giving her specific instructions on what not to do and what is needed to keep her condition stable, as it’s revealed early on that she is infected. In actuality, he is eager to help her. Viewers remain unsure of why that is the case, and whether the man behind the wheel can be trusted, until the film’s final act. Holding back this information works in the film’s favor, as Hellcat maintains tension through Lena’s limited perspective and claustrophobic setting.

Another positive aspect of the film is Gorman’s performance. The actress gives it her all in Hellcat, and she’s mesmerizing on screen. Viewers get a glimpse into scenarios she visualizes involving family and friends, which really showcases her talent. It also keeps the audience invested in her story and what lies ahead for the character in a situation that seems completely impossible to escape from.  

Hellcat excels at demonstrating Lena’s point of view through the use of surreal and unsettling visuals, making viewers feel as though they’re in a fever dream. Such scenes are very impactful and impressive, especially given the film’s smaller budget. By placing the audience in Lena’s confined perspective, we experience her transition alongside her, deepening our empathy and connection to the character.

Up until this point, what actually happens to Lena sounds rather vague in this review, and that’s for good reason. This is definitely a movie you’ll want to go into blind; otherwise, the narrative will fall flat quickly, especially since the buildup is the film’s strongest aspect. What I will say, though, is that early on, Hellcat promises something much greater than what is actually delivered, considering how much suspense is built up before the film’s underwhelming conclusion.

Unfortunately, when the reasoning behind this kidnapping is revealed, it proves rather uninspiring and bland. By the end, I was expecting a jaw-dropping surprise, but ultimately, what happens is neither shocking nor all that satisfying. Hellcat could also have benefited from filling in some blanks after the movie’s climax. By the end, I was left with more questions than answers, and logistically, a few things remained unclear to me. The theme of the film is nothing new either, which isn’t a criticism in itself. It’s more the fact that Hellcat’s ending lacks distinctiveness compared to other movies in the genre centering around such themes, which are much more memorable.

Hellcat had its World Premiere in competition at the Fantasia Film Festival on July 25, 2025. The film will be screened again on July 27.