9 Ways to Hell is a 2020 horror anthology, written and directed by Scott Alan Richards, Nick Dragon, Alejandra DÃaz, Tai-Lydia Jones, Emily Louise Rua, Derek Silvers, Shelly Skandrani, Deven Spencer, and Dillon Wilson. Nine terrifying tales inspired by the nine concentric circles of hell in Dante’s Inferno. Limbo, Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Anger, Heresy, Violence, Fraud, and Betrayal.
This is a rather unusual and unique style of the film, as every short tackles its own level of Hell. Directors provide their own personal takes on the subject at hand, creating an incredibly engaging and terrifying descent into madness. Some layers are gory with amazing effects, while others rely more on psychological scares and storylines – or a combination of both.
The acting in a few of the segments could have been better and there isn’t much diversity when it comes to the overall look and appeal of the individual films. Only a couple really stand out, as the majority feel like one continuous feature cut into separate sections. Paying closer attention to the set dressing and costumes could have helped a bit.
There was some clever use of technology, which was unexpected and always nice to see. It’s great when filmmakers experiment and try to find new and exciting ways to spruce up the genre. However, the run time could have been shorter, which would have made for a more action-packed and thrilling watch.
All of the shorts were very strong, with Greed, Wrath (Anger) and Violence taking the top spots. The acting in Greed was phenomenal. Mia Komsky absolutely slays and gives one truly disturbing performance as Olivia; a young daughter hell-bent on getting everything she wants, no matter the cost. Wrath is a really great timestamp, dealing with the world’s current socio and political outlash and civil unrest. It’s definitely one you don’t want to miss. And Violence is a terrifying, fun little film and exactly what it sounds like.
The music for the circles is fantastic, with one of the shorts scored by the legendary composer and musician, Miriam Mayer. There are also some seriously sick special effects and makeup by genre maestro Joe Castro, and Steven J.Escobar, in a few of the segments. Overall it’s a deeply demented and hellacious slow burn into the uncharted depths of Dante’s Inferno.
9 Ways to Hell is dark, twisted and unnerving. You’ll need a long shower after watching this. It’s pure grotesque entertainment. Is an awesome addition to the genre. If you’re a fan of strange, unsettling indie horror, then this one’s right up your alley.
Dark, twisted and unnerving
Movie title: 9 Ways to Hell
Movie description: A compilation of linked horror films inspired by Dante's Inferno. Nine Filmmakers, Nine Sins.
Date published: September 28, 2020
Country: USA
Duration: 1h 44min
Director(s): Scott Alan Richards, Nick Dragon, Alejandra DÃaz, Tai-Lydia Jones, Emily Louise Rua, Derek Silvers, Shelly Skandrani, Deven Spencer, Dillon Wilson
Actor(s): Emily Killian, Joe Castro, Al Burke
Genre: Horror
Donovan Smith, aka Monster Dugan is a writer, author, producer and mixed martial artist, who currently resides in Chandler, Arizona. A born and raised child of horror, Donovan is a cinephile and bibliophile, with knowledge of all things John Carpenter. Donovan is a reviewer and interviewer known for his extensive coverage of independent media.
