Hot Take: An unnerving low-budget Sci-Fi horror/thriller with some subtle and not so subtle influences from a multitude of other films. The Hive isn’t scary but while some will find it gory, it’s black goo. Somehow The Hive makes the end of humanity as we know it kind of fun to watch.

To be totally honest, you’re not going to get a lot out of this blog from me about horror movies (maybe if we grow, we’ll get a horror guru) but sometimes a horror film is intriguing enough to bring me into the dark. Enter Nerdist‘s one night showing of The Hive.

The Hive brought a fairly unique version of a virus wiping out humanity to a film with obvious influence and reverence for a number of films. From Evil Dead to Memento to 28 Days Later to Cast Away (yes, Cast Away!), director David Yarovesky delivers an interesting, highly watchable, unnerving tale of YAZA in the age of YAZA (Yet Another Zombie Apocalypse).

This isn’t for everyone. Actually, unless you’re a film geek or a horror junkie, you probably won’t enjoy it. However, that felt like the target audience.

“Spoiler Free” Pros

  • It’s Grotesquely Gorgeous
    There’s a decent amount of gore here but it is cinematically gorgeous gore. Plus, the zombies don’t spew blood, they spew this black goo. How scary can black goo be?
  • On Second Thought, The Portrayals Make Sense
    At first, I was unnerved by the rather juvenile, immature responses from our characters in peril. However, these are teens! It makes sense! Shame on me for expecting something different at first.
  • There’s A Respect for Classic Horror Gore Films
    Sometimes there’s gore to insure the audience says “Damn, that’s gory!” The Hive never gave off that intention. It’s the opposite of Hostel.
  • It’s Impressive How Much Yarovesky Does In Such An Enclosed Space
    Most of the film takes place in one room. The way the room is used felt as organic and as important to the film as the actors.

“Spoiler Free” Cons

  • There’s An Unsteady Pace
    There are moments where The Hive drags unnecessarily. It’s nothing to do with length but there’s an occasional feeling of bloat.
  • The Back Story is Weak
    Overall, the back story felt like a necessary evil. While the gore was smartly placed, the back story was just there.
  • It’s Not Scary
    There are a few jumpy moments but The Hive isn’t scary.