Fans of Silent Hill will find enjoyment in the 2016 horror movie The Void, belonging to the Lovecraftian/cosmic horror subgenre. Set within an eerie hospital where creatures run amok, this film, written and directed by Jeremy Gillespie and Steven Kostanski of Astron-6 fame, bears resemblance to the Silent Hill series in many ways.
Despite receiving a 48% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, The Void garnered slightly more favorable reviews from critics, boasting a 78% score on the Tomatometer based on 76 reviews. Regarded as an entertaining film that evokes the horror of the 1980s, it offers a chilling atmosphere that mirrors that of Silent Hill. For fans seeking a similar movie experience, The Void masterfully portrays the dire circumstances faced by its main characters.
What Is The Void About?
In 2023, a plethora of Lovecraftian horror games emerged, and among them is The Void, a chilling film characterized by Lovecraftian and cosmic horror elements. The storyline revolves around a group of individuals situated in a small town's hospital, featuring notable personalities such as nurse Allison Fraser (Kathleen Monroe), Deputy Sheriff Daniel Carter (Aaron Poole), and the esteemed Dr. Richard Powell (Kenneth Welsh), along with other gradually significant characters. As the narrative unfolds, the sinister occurrences within the town become increasingly evident. During a distressing sequence, Beverly (Stephanie Belding) gruesomely murders Cliff Robertson (Matt Kennedy), leading the remaining characters to seek refuge within the confines of the hospital, where a gory tableau unfolds before them.
Dr. Powell is idolized by multiple characters who have an unwavering belief in his capabilities, adding a chilling element to The Void. As they strive to stay alive, the hospital becomes a haunting ground filled with terrifying creatures. Drawing inspiration from the top horror movies of the 1980s, The Void successfully captures the same eerie essence that characterized films from that era.
Although The Void boasts well-built characters, the emphasis is primarily on the atmospheric setting, particularly the hospital. At every turn, the characters are confronted with new and menacing dangers, ensuring a thrilling and captivating experience.
How Is The Void Like Silent Hill?
The horror film The Void bears resemblances to Silent Hill, a renowned psychological horror game. These two narratives share commonalities, notably featuring an eerie hospital setting and a devoted cult followed by the characters. With its chilling backdrop of a hospital, The Void establishes itself as a gripping horror film. The characters, unquestionably ensnared, further intensify the feeling of terror.
In The Void, Dr. Richard Powell's cult consists of characters who don white robes and frequent a farm known as "the church." Similarly, Silent Hill features a dangerous cult called The Order. In both narratives, the cult members exhibit a callous disregard for causing harm, lending an eerie atmosphere to the stories. Notably, Heather Mason from Silent Hill and Allison Fraser from The Void are commendable female protagonists within the realm of video games.
Both The Void and Silent Hill draw inspiration from horror movies of the 1980s. Both narratives introduce unsettling creatures; Silent Hill showcases the terrifying Abstract Daddy and the Incubus, while The Void presents horrifying tentacled beings.
How Does The Void End?
In the finale of The Void, Maggie (played by Grace Monroe) delivers a shocking blow by stabbing Daniel and seemingly revering the severely injured and skinless Dr. Powell. While The Void may not fall into the body horror genre, this particular scene can undoubtedly be classified as one of the most repulsive in the realm of horror movies.
To add to the grotesque atmosphere, a part of Maggie's body explodes, giving birth to what is ominously referred to as "the Sarah-Creature." This monstrous creation is set ablaze by Simon (portrayed by Mik Byskov), along with Vincent (played by Daniel Fathers), creating a disturbing spectacle. The conclusion of The Void accelerates in tempo, diverging from the slower pace established throughout the rest of the film.
The Void ending exemplifies the cosmic horror subgenre, showcasing its peculiar and perplexing nature while adhering to its defining elements. It presents a remarkably inventive conclusion, underscoring the indomitable influence of the ominous cult. With Daniel and Dr. Powell engaging in a physical altercation, their subsequent transport to "the void" adds a further layer of intrigue. Ultimately, the closing scene portrays Allison and Daniel reunited, standing beside a black pyramid in an unfamiliar realm distinct from their previous existence. The enigmatic finale of The Void engenders numerous inquiries, yet remains coherent and cogent in light of the narrative's thematic underpinnings.