Horror Movie Review: Hell’s Kitty (2018)

Starring a who’s who of horror, Hell’s Kitty is based on the web series and comic book of the same name, and inspired by writer/director Nicholas Tana’s experiences living with a professedly possessed cat.

Nick (Tana) is a Hollywood screenwriter who makes the unfortunate discovery that his cat is possessed. Not only that she is also super-possessive of him dispatching any women that come into his life! Nick is relaying his story to an unknown man (later revealed to be a book publisher). A story that is absurd to most but to Nick, it’s his life that has been ruined by the evil kitty!

Hell’s Kitty is a horror comedy, an affectionate and loving parody of the horror genre all with an incredible cast.

Seriously, look at this list:

Doug Jones (The Shape of Water), Dale Midkiff (Pet Sematary), Michael Berryman (The Hills Have Eyes), Courtney Gains (The Children of The Corn), Lynn Lowry (Cat People), Kelli Maroni (Night of The Comet), Ashley C. Williams (The Human Centipede), Barbara Nedeljakova (Hostel), Adrienne Barbeau (The Fog) and John Franklin (The Addams Family/The Children of the Corn).

It’s incredible & it’s impossible to not react with glee during the clever appearances & sly references to classic horrors. As well as a few obscure ones like Killer Klowns from Outer Space!

All of these homages & actors could feel jammed in but for the most part they are well-woven into the narrative! A personal favourite is Courtney Gains & John Franklin re-living their Children of the Corn argument! Utterly brilliant & so much fun!

Nicholas Tana has done wonders crafting an entertaining & smart story that amuses in the right ways. It’s witty and heartfelt & clearly a labour of love for the writer/director.

There’s an 80s feel to the production, the gore limited but effective! The cat (Angel) isn’t over-used & her scares are reminiscent of classic clichés. In most modern films these would be a source of frustration but here they fit the tone perfectly. Is Nick really dealing with a possessed cat? Or is he harbouring an even darker secret?

Watch it & find out! Hell’s Kitty will be available on VOD March 13th and on DVD March 27th.