Hellriser

Hellriser

Year: 2017

Runtime: 75 mins

Language: English

Director: Steve Lawson

Horror

When a city is plagued by brutal occult murders, seasoned detective John Locke and his partner Terri Keyes must collaborate to investigate. Their search leads them to a derelict asylum now owned by the enigmatic Dr. Unnseine, who is conducting disturbing, Nazi-inspired experiments on its inmates. Among them is the alluring and dangerous Annie Dyer, who may possess vital clues to the murders and a terrifying connection to a gateway of Hell. Locke and Keyes must unravel the mystery before they become the next victims.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Hellriser (2017)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Hellriser (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Present day, with events spanning over six years

The story takes place primarily in the present day, with events beginning in the early 21st century and spanning a period of over six years. This timeframe reflects contemporary settings and modern technology manipulated by supernatural forces.

Location

Belgrade, Serbia, The Berkshires

The film begins in Belgrade, Serbia, a city known for its vibrant history and architecture. The setting shifts to The Berkshires, a rural region famous for its cultural scene and scenic landscapes, providing a contrasting backdrop to the urban environment.

🌍 Urban 🏞️ Countryside 🏢 Historic buildings

Last Updated: August 05, 2025 at 06:54

Main Characters – Hellriser (2017)

Meet the key characters of Hellriser (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Serena Menaker

A lawyer who becomes entangled with the puzzle box and the supernatural forces it unleashes. She is resourceful and determined, aware of the dangers but driven by her knowledge of the box's origins and Voight's connection to it.

🧑‍⚖️ Lawyer 🧩 Knowledgeable 🔍 Investigative

Riley McKendry

A recovering addict haunted by her past, Riley is brave and impulsive, willing to face supernatural horrors to uncover the truth. Her obsession with saving her brother and ending her suffering drives her throughout the story.

🚶‍♀️ Determined 🧟 Haunted 💔 Vulnerable

Voight

A wealthy billionaire who seeks to manipulate the puzzle box for personal gain. His obsession with sensation results in his transformation into a Cenobite, embodying eternal suffering in his quest for ultimate pleasure.

💰 Wealthy 🔪 Obsessed 🔥 Tormented

Pinhead

The leader of the Cenobites, characterized by her commanding presence and supernatural authority. She enforces the rules of the puzzle box and witnesses the eternal torment of those who seek forbidden desires.

👹 Authority 🧙‍♀️ Supernatural 🔒 Enforcer

Last Updated: August 05, 2025 at 06:54

Major Themes – Hellriser (2017)

Explore the central themes of Hellriser (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕯️ Resentment

The movie explores themes of guilt and revenge, especially through Riley’s journey and her encounters with the Cenobites. The theme of personal suffering and the desire for redemption is central, with characters confronting their past mistakes and the consequences of seeking forbidden desires.

🔮 Supernatural

Supernatural elements dominate the narrative with the resurrection of the Cenobites, the mysterious puzzle box, and the Leviathan entity. The film delves into a dark, otherworldly dimension where pain and pleasure intertwine, challenging characters' perceptions of reality.

Last Updated: August 05, 2025 at 06:54

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Occult Detective Horror Movies like Hellriser

Stories where investigators uncover truths more terrifying than any crime.If you liked the investigative dread of Hellriser, explore more movies where detectives face supernatural threats. These films combine crime-solving with occult horror, leading to terrifying discoveries and bleak outcomes. They are perfect for fans of stories where the search for answers opens a gateway to pure terror.

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Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread typically follow a procedural structure that is corrupted by supernatural elements. A logical investigation clashes with an illogical, demonic threat, forcing characters to confront a reality where traditional rules no longer apply. The journey is often from skepticism to horrific belief, ending with the collapse of order in the face of chaos.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared core of a rational investigation colliding with irrational evil. They blend the tension of a mystery with the existential dread of cosmic horror, creating a unique experience where the process of discovery is itself a source of terror.

Extreme Body Horror and Torture Films like Hellriser

Films that explore the terrifying limits of the human body and psyche.Fans of Hellriser's graphic body horror and themes of pain will find more extreme horror movies here. These stories delve into torture, physical transformation, and psychological torment, offering a intense and heavy viewing experience for those who appreciate horror that tests limits.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves characters being subjected to systematic physical and mental suffering, often as a consequence of their own desires or actions. The story is a downward spiral into a world where pain is a central theme, and the distinction between victim and initiate becomes blurred. The focus is on the visceral experience of agony.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their prioritization of graphic, visceral horror and an atmosphere of sustained agony. They share a high intensity level, a dark tone, and a heavy emotional weight derived from the explicit exploration of bodily violation and suffering.

Unlock the Full Story of Hellriser

Don't stop at just watching — explore Hellriser in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Hellriser is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Hellriser Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Hellriser, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Hellriser Summary

Hellriser Timeline

Track the full timeline of Hellriser with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Hellriser Timeline

Hellriser Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Hellriser that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Hellriser Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Hellriser

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Hellriser: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Hellriser