Written and directed by Jared Allmond, THE HIVE is a fun addition to any film fan of the unusual’s watch list. It’s one part Invasion of the Body Snatchers, one part The Strangers, and 100%  a trauma-filled dark ride full of drama and sci-fi thrills. Come for the home invasion aspect and stay for the otherworldly outcome that this intruder-driven sci-fi thriller will deliver to you in a tightly wrapped package.

THE HIVE opens by introducing us to the seemingly happy couple, Penny (Christie Griffin) and Albie (Timothy Haug). Albie comes off as the typical man-of-the-house alpha-type whereas Penny brings in the balance with her strong personality and perspective that counters Albie’s attitude and high level of arrogance. The couple heads out to the opera for a night out together after knowing their children are safe and secure with a babysitter. Noticeably these two characters stray from the perfect couple/ happy family tropes that you typically see in most horror and thriller movies through shared trauma, petty arguments, and bickering.

After their night out and knowing that the babysitter has offered to keep the kids overnight so they can have more time alone, the couple head home to continue their romantic evening together. Upon their arrival, they meet the intruders. After an exchange that felt pretty natural for a “who are you and why the hell are you in my home” situation, Albie attempts to call the cops.

Things get even weirder after these strangers make it clear that the cops won’t be of any help to the couple. The reveal of the intruders will leave viewers uncomfortable. The strangers possessed black pupils and moved in such a matter-of-fact motion that indicated that things weren’t what they seemed. Their movements remind of mimes moving in slow motion and then speeding up to appear normal. Super awkward and naturally uncomfortable to look at.

As we get further into this dilemma, it’s revealed that Penny’s sister lives in the neighborhood. The couple decides to drive to the sister’s house to take refuge for the night. After arriving, something is off.  The sister, Kimmy, also appears to be suspicious. Yet, this goes unnoticed by the characters onscreen. Her mannerisms were very much like the Aunt in Sleepaway Camp, lending to the belief that she too may also be up to something. Leaving, the sister’s home after being persuaded to “take back their house,” the couple decides to attack the intruders in an attempt to gain their home back. From here, things take a turn.

There are moments of levity in THE HIVE. The entire discussion between Penny and Albie about breaking into their own home is comically delivered. The scenes we get of them sneaking into the house felt natural to watch; the scenario feels like a natural decision made between the couple, all done in a moment of irrationality and fear. The infusion of comedy and terror is also present in an interrogation sequence that takes place, giving us hints as to what is going on beneath the surface.

There is a deep layer of pain and trauma that the couple share together that lingers throughout THE HIVE. This brings us back to the idea of Albie being an overbearing alpha male type.  These mannerisms of his are expanded towards the end of THE HIVE, hinting towards more struggles that the couple share in their marriage. The work done makes the rest of what unfolds more plausible and further invests us in the story.

THE HIVE is both unique and fits in well with other “human harvest” and intruder-based films. It easily fits into the realm of Invasion of the Body Snatchers and The Strangers. This type of genre of film isn’t my typical watch, mostly because I’m very hack-and-slash and creature feature-driven in terms of my horror viewing, but it did lack in surprise. That said, it is easily appreciated for what it is aiming to accomplish. THE HIVE can easily be said to be a drama-filled suspense ride that’s definitely“out of this world.”

From Buffalo8 arrives THE HIVE on VOD on October 27, 2023.

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Devin March

Co-Host at GoreLords Podcast

Devin is a contributing writer for Nightmarish Conjurings and one of the three Co-hosts of the GoreLords Podcast. In his spare time (when it exists) he's usually cuddled up to his wife binge-watching a TV series, checking out new indie horror films or more recently playing Nintendo Switch. Devin is a huge fan of horror and macabre and it shows in his household. There is a room in his house dedicated to VHS tapes, Disneyland, Vintage Halloween and 80's horror.

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Latest posts by Devin March (see all)

• [Movie Review] THE HIVE - October 26, 2023
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