Hex Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

Trailer

Director: Rod Blackhurst
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Release year: 2019
Runtime (length): 1h 25min
IMDb rating: 3.8/10 (2.8K votes)
Rotten Tomatoes: N/A

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0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A guy on vacation falls for a mysterious girl, only to discover her ‘issues’ involve a truly messy family ritual that ends with him becoming the main course.

🍿 Hex: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Cambodian Holiday Romance Begins

The film introduces Ben (Kelly Blatz), a tourist enjoying the sights and nightlife of Cambodia. He encounters Amber Kelly (Jenny Boyd), and the two immediately develop a strong physical attraction, leading to a burgeoning holiday romance. Their initial connection seems idyllic, set against the exotic backdrop of Southeast Asia.

Amber’s Mysterious Affliction

As Ben becomes more deeply involved with Amber, he discovers she suffers from debilitating physical ailments and unsettling seizures, leading him to question her past. Amber’s mysterious condition and her history with various ex-partners create a vortex of uncertainty around their relationship. Ben, however, remains committed to helping her, seemingly overlooking the deeper questions about Amber’s true motives.

Seeking a Spiritual Cure

Convinced that Amber’s afflictions are beyond conventional medical explanation, Ben agrees to accompany her on a journey to find an enigmatic witch doctor, De Rais (Philip Philmar). Their quest takes them to remote, isolated locations in Cambodia, where they hope to find a spiritual cure for what Amber claims is a malicious force afflicting her.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

If you plan to watch the movie first, watch here and come back to this section afterward.

See Spoilers and Ending

The Deceptive Ritual

The witch doctor, De Rais, explains that Amber is possessed by a malevolent entity, Diona, which originated from her conjoined twin, separated at birth. He devises a ritual that seemingly requires Ben’s participation, instructing him to wait for the spirit to reveal its name and then sacrifice a goat to trap and destroy it. Ben, trusting Amber and the witch doctor, prepares to carry out the ritual.

Amber’s True Nature Revealed and Ben’s Fate

During the ritual, Amber lures Ben closer, appearing vulnerable. However, in a shocking twist, she suddenly attacks and incapacitates him. It is revealed that Amber, far from being a victim, has been complicit in a sinister plan with De Rais from the start. Ben is the intended sacrifice, to be disemboweled and his body used as a vessel for the evil spirit, Diona. Amber smiles chillingly as she is driven away, leaving Ben to his gruesome fate.

A Chilling and Ambiguous Conclusion

The ending of ‘Hex’ subverts audience expectations, turning what seemed like a supernatural horror into a tale of ultimate betrayal and manipulation. Ben’s unwavering loyalty and naive belief in Amber are brutally exploited, highlighting a dark theme of trust misplaced in a foreign and dangerous setting. The film concludes with a deeply unsettling sense of despair, as the ‘good’ character is sacrificed, and the ‘evil’ one triumphs, leaving viewers with a disturbing and memorable, albeit divisive, resolution.

🎬 Cast & Characters

Ben Trepanier (Kelly Blatz): A naive American tourist who falls for Amber and unknowingly becomes the unsuspecting victim of a sinister ritual.
Amber Kelly (Jenny Boyd): A seductive and mysterious woman who manipulates Ben, revealing herself to be a ruthless participant in a dark scheme involving possession or an evil twin.
De Rais (Philip Philmar): A notorious witch doctor who guides Amber and Ben through a ritual that culminates in Ben’s sacrifice.
Mae (Sveng Socheata): An old woman, possibly a local, who performs the final, gruesome act of the hex on Ben, solidifying the ritual’s outcome.
Isaac (Ross McCall): One of Ben’s friends on vacation, initially present as a companion before Ben’s deeper entanglement with Amber.

💬 Memorable Quotes

💰Box Office

Budget: N/A
Domestic Gross: N/A
Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Hex Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into ‘Hex’ expecting a spooky holiday horror, and it definitely delivered… something! The beginning hooked me with the whole mysterious stranger in an exotic location vibe; Cambodia looked genuinely amazing, even when things started getting weird. There were moments I felt genuinely tense as Ben got pulled deeper into Amber’s very complicated life. But then, as the story progressed, I kept thinking, ‘Wait, what just happened?’ The plot got pretty messy and confusing, and I was often scratching my head. The ending, though, totally blindsided me! I literally sat there like, ‘Did that just happen?!’ It was wild, even if I’m still trying to piece together how we got there. Definitely a movie that sticks with you, if only for the sheer ‘WTF’ factor of the finale.

Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of indie horror films with unconventional narratives”
- “Viewers interested in slow-burn psychological thrillers with a twist ending”
- “Those who appreciate exotic, on-location foreign settings in horror cinema”
- “Audiences intrigued by themes of betrayal and dark rituals”
Content warnings ⚠:
- “Female nudity (implied full-frontal and topless nudity)”
- “Graphic violence (implied disembowelment)”
- “Disturbing psychological themes”
- “Scenes of an unsettling and ambiguous nature”
- “Cultural insensitivity (as noted by some reviewers regarding portrayal of Southeast Asia)”

Professional Reviews

Original: “‘Hex’ attempts to blend exotic romance with unsettling supernatural horror against the atmospheric backdrop of Cambodia. While Jenny Boyd delivers a compellingly enigmatic performance and the visuals are often stunning, the film’s narrative quickly devolves into a confusing mess. The pacing is inconsistent, and what promises to be a chilling descent into dread often feels more like a muddled, meandering journey. Its shocking finale provides a talking point, but it’s hard to shake the feeling of an underdeveloped plot.

Audience Reactions

The film’s bizarre and unexpected twist ending left many viewers stunned and debating its meaning.: Most viewers found the film confusing and often boring, but widely acknowledged the ending as a genuinely shocking, albeit perplexing, standout moment.

Overall Consensus: While visually appealing at times and featuring a memorable, if bewildering, twist ending, ‘Hex’ is generally regarded by audiences as a muddled, poorly executed horror film with a confusing plot and inconsistent pacing.

Awards

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🛠️ Behind the Scenes

“This film marks Jenny Boyd’s first feature film role, having previously appeared in a TV movie and a short film.”
“Filmed on location in Cambodia, the exotic scenery plays a significant role in establishing the film’s atmospheric setting.”
“The movie’s initial IMDb rating faced controversy, with numerous user reviews alleging that it was artificially inflated by fake positive reviews.”
“Despite being set in Cambodia, some eagle-eyed viewers noted perceived cultural inaccuracies, including the visible use of Thai language and signage in the background.”

🖥️ How to Watch Hex?

As an independent release, ‘Hex’ (2019) is primarily available for digital rental or purchase. You can typically find it on Video-On-Demand (VOD) platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube. Check your preferred streaming service for availability and pricing to watch this psychotronic horror thriller at home.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Hex, you might like these similar films:

Ghost House (2017): Fans of ‘Hex’ might appreciate ‘Ghost House’ for its similar premise of Western tourists encountering malevolent supernatural forces while on holiday in Southeast Asia.
The Wicker Man (1973): This classic cult horror film shares ‘Hex’s’ theme of an unsuspecting outsider becoming entangled in sinister local rituals that culminate in human sacrifice.
Midsommar (2019): For those who enjoyed the folk horror elements and the slow descent into ritualistic horror in a foreign land seen in ‘Hex,’ ‘Midsommar’ offers a critically acclaimed, visually stunning, and much more polished exploration of similar themes.
Basket Case (1982): Recommended by some viewers for its exploration of separated entities and their disturbing influence, ‘Basket Case’ provides a unique cult horror experience with a thematic link to ‘Hex’s’ underlying premise.
Hostel (2005): If the ‘tourist trap’ and betrayal aspects of ‘Hex’ appealed to you, ‘Hostel’ takes the concept of unsuspecting travelers falling prey to horrific local schemes to an extreme, visceral level.

🛒 Hex Related Products

Hex (2019) Digital Download: Own the chilling horror film ‘Hex’ in high-definition. Experience the unsettling twists and atmospheric Cambodian setting from the comfort of your home.
Hex (2019) Collector’s Edition Blu-ray: This special edition includes the film in stunning HD, exclusive behind-the-scenes featurettes exploring the challenging Cambodian shoot, and interviews with the cast and crew on the film’s unique narrative.
Outlast 2 (Digital Game Code): A terrifying first-person survival horror game set in a remote, cult-ridden rural area, featuring intense psychological torment, unsettling rituals, and a strong sense of isolation.
Southeast Asian Elephant Head Wall Decor: An intricately carved resin elephant head wall hanging, reflecting the rich cultural artistry and spiritual depth often found in the Cambodian setting of ‘Hex’.

🎧 Soundtrack

Hex features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

“Hex (Original Motion Picture Score)” – performed by Composed for Hex (2019)

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

Is Hex (2019) a good horror movie?

‘Hex’ (2019) has received highly polarized reviews. While some viewers appreciated its twist ending and unique setting, many critics and audiences found the film to be a messy, slow-paced horror experience with inconsistent acting and a confusing plot. Its overall reception leans towards negative, often cited as a ‘waste of time’ by dissatisfied viewers.

What is the plot of Hex (2019)?

The film follows Ben, an American tourist in Cambodia, who falls for Amber, a mysterious woman afflicted by what she claims is an epileptic condition tied to a malevolent force. As they seek a spiritual cure from a local witch doctor, Ben uncovers a dark conspiracy where he is unknowingly central to a sinister ritual.

Where was Hex (2019) filmed?

‘Hex’ (2019) was filmed on location in Cambodia, utilizing the country’s exotic scenery and cultural elements as a significant backdrop for its narrative. The authentic setting is often cited as one of the film’s stronger points.

Who are the main actors in Hex (2019)?

The primary cast of ‘Hex’ (2019) features Kelly Blatz as Ben and Jenny Boyd as Amber Kelly. This film marked Jenny Boyd’s first feature film role after appearing in a TV movie and a short film.

Is Hex (2019) connected to the Amityville franchise?

No, ‘Hex’ (2019) is a standalone horror thriller and is not officially connected to the ‘Amityville’ franchise. While a similarly titled film, ‘Amityville Hex’, exists and is noted as a low-point for that franchise, it is a separate and unrelated production.

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