Hellraiser 2022 Director Uses Practical Effects to Create Cenobites

October 7th, 2022, saw the release of the latest Hellraiser film directed by David Bruckner. As a huge fan of the franchise and its practical effects, I wanted to find out if the Cenobites were once again made with practical effects. I was not disappointed as each Cenobite, and most of the movie’s effects were done via practical effects.

“Every puzzle box is practical, and every Cenobite is practical. We had a very practical approach to the film that’s in keeping with the franchise, but there was VFX augmentation. There were moments where we leaned into digital, but we tried to be very, very judicious as to when that would happen.” – David Bruckner, director of Hellraiser 2022.

Cenobites Are Redesigned in a Terrifying Manner

While CGI has come a long way, it takes away from the immersion when overused in horror. That is why David Bruckner leaned more into the practical effects. It keeps you entranced and mesmerized by the sheer horrors makeup artists can create.

The special effects team, led by Josh and Sierra Russell, worked with David Bruckner to give each Cenobite its own unique design, using CGI to supplement the practical effects where needed.

Each Cenobite is terrifying in an erotic and sadistic way. Skin is pulled back, pins and hooks protrude from their bodies, and leather latex suits are attached to their bodies. While previous Hellraiser installments also used practical effects, David Bruckner’s takes it to a new level.

While the original Hellraiser films featured Cenobites with opened throats and stomachs, the 2022 film featured more skinned looks. Personally, I believe it gives a more horrifying look to the demons. You can just visualize the sheer pain and pleasure shooting through their bodies constantly as their exposed nerves and muscle interact with the world.

If you are looking for a horror movie that takes a different approach, check out the 2022 Hellraiser film on Hulu.

_{Source: The Digital Fix}