Lust, infatuation and horror combine amidst a stunning Cambodian backdrop. HEX is chilling, puzzling and often-times downright nerve-wracking. Director, Rudolf Buitendach delivered a thoughtful and thoroughly enjoyable movie that, dare I say, can compete with many mainstream horror films.

HEX was shot on sight in the Cambodian killing fields and is advertised as being based on a true story. While the later seems like a stretch, the filmmakers allege that mysterious and disturbing occurrences befell the cast and crew during the filming process. There are reports that some members of the crew contracted a flesh-eating virus while others fell ill to disease. Locals were so frightened of the filming locations they begged for a Buddhist priest to bless the crew and the film itself.

Spooky.

The film follows an American man, Ben (Kelly Blatz), traveling through Cambodia with his brother and friend when he meets a stunning and mysterious woman, Amber (Jenny Boyd). What follows is your stereotypical; boy meets girl, boy falls for girl, girl harbors a deep, dark secret, everything goes to hell. However, this version of the story leaves the viewer with more questions than answers. I would like to say that all questions will be answered in the order in which they are received, but I was still left with this feeling of wanting more. While the film has much going for it, I felt like it was just a little short – a little lacking.

Since her arrival, the mysterious aroma of Amber draws Ben closer as her erratic behavior does little to discourage his lust. After Ben stands up for Amber as she’s being harassed by Nicolai (Adrian Hough), a fellow foreigner, they make a run for it through colorful markets and hide in a house. As Nicolai draws near to their hiding spot, Amber silently (and very randomly) begins to bring Ben to climax as he is overwhelmed with passion and terror. This will be the first of many instances which elude to the idea that something is not right with Amber. Regardless, this act spurs something within Ben (we think it may have been in the general direction of his loins) and he decides to leave his brother and friend to pursue a quasi-relationship with this strange, yet enchanting woman.

While attending a rave in the middle of the forest, Amber disappears, leaving Ben alone and unarmed when Nicolai and some of his associates begin to attack him. In a state of duress, Ben witnesses the supernatural destruction of two of his captors as Nicolai escapes into the night. Nicolai doesn’t get far, as whatever disembodied force killed his two associates the night before comes after him. At this moment, the scene interchanges between Nicolai in his car and Amber in her hotel room, where we first begin to wonder if Amber actually has any control over the strange things that occur around her, or if she too is a victim.

Ben tries to come to grips with the strange events that occur around Amber but just can’t make himself stay away. He continues to be haunted with the unexplained phenomena he has witnessed; from the strange disappearance of Amber’s roommate, to Amber’s erratic behavior. Ben, however, makes the conscious decision – to literally ignore every single red flag and resume a relationship with this strange and sexually charged (also see: manipulative) woman.

While the film attempts to connect the dots in order to wrap up the story and bring it full circle, it seems incomplete. There is so much build up in the first 50 or so minutes of the film that once the moment of judgment comes, the filmmakers seemed to have skipped steps and rushed through to the end. So much more could have been elaborated upon. The beautiful scenery of the film took precedence over the story leaving the viewer slightly confused and disappointed. I would recommend giving HEX a try for yourself, but an additional 15 minutes could have taken a decently good film and transformed it into a great one.

I was left wondering if the filmmakers had an ulterior motive to the story. Can they be using it as metaphor for mental illness? It does seem likely as Amber seems to suffer from mental instability or even a multiple personality syndrome. One, hyper-sexualized and aggressive and the other, calm and sweet. This theory is best illustrated as the film reaches its climax. Ben’s character is not the catalyst to Amber’s mental instability and delusion, but he sees himself as her savior. This savior complex is one that many with loved ones suffering from mental illness can relate to. Both Boyd (Amber) and Blatz (Ben) play this role without reservation and it works seamlessly within the story.

Newcomer, Jenny Boyd’s portrayal of the sweet and at times sexually menacing Amber is gripping and complex. She plays with the balance Amber’s sudden switch between terror and slow, calculated control. Her chemistry with Blatz (Prom Night and Timeless) is electric as they descend slowly into passion and madness.

HEX is written and directed by Rudolf Buitendach (Dark Hearts) and co-written by Christian Piers Betley. Starring Jenny Boyd, Kelly Blatz, and Ross McCall. It premiered at the Raindance Film festival and runs 85 minutes long. The dialogue is enjoyable and at times, funny. The humor sprinkled here and there breaks up the otherwise tense plot. While I wouldn’t call the film ‘scary,’ it is unsettling and can be disturbing. Its subtle scares place the viewers in Ben’s shoes, “Did I really see that? What is going on?” The unacknowledged subtext behind some of the thrills in HEX bring to light very real questions – how weird would things have to get before we admit that something is terribly wrong?

All in all, however, the film was an enjoyable ride, I was enamored with the breathtaking scenery and the warm yet slightly sinister pallet of the film.