Hallow Road (2025) Film Review: Gripping psycho-thriller is gritty realism at its finest

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After receiving a distressing late-night phone call from their teenage daughter following a tragic car accident, a couple race to get to the scene of the crime before anyone else, whilst uncovering disturbing revelations as the night unfolds.

In this unsettling, captivating thriller, the epitome of every parent's worst nightmare is depicted with spectacular authenticity and grounded realism. Practically every aspect of the movie's production provides a masterclass on cinematic storytelling, with effective direction from Babak Anvari and a superb screenplay by William Gillies, whose writing makes a seemingly straightforward narrative feel both fresh and haunting.

From the opening scene, Anvari's thoughtful, purposeful direction is on full display as a sinister atmosphere is immediately established. From the repetitive loud ticking of a wall clock almost sounding like warning chimes, to direct visual cues drip feeding viewers bite-sized information regarding the lives of the family, much is conveyed without the need for audible exposition. The film is shot in real time, with the majority of the screen time taking place inside a car, as both parents rush to support their distraught daughter. This creative decision from Anvari helps create an uncomfortable, claustrophobic tone, which enhances the sheer panic of the situation no one could ever imagine experiencing.

Two parents (Pike and Rhys) experience a living nightmare following a devastating phone call

The film always remains a truly immersive, nail-biting experience, despite the singular setting for the most part, as new revelations and shocking twists in the narrative offer plenty to engage with. What appears to be a simple thriller premise soon begins to turn expectations on its head, as elements of folk horror and genuinely chilling moments occur as the couple drive down dark country roads in the middle of the night to reach their daughter. Fear of the unknown and the lengths any parents would go to protect their child from harm, or even themselves, leads to the movie's most harrowing scenes, with the impending sense of dread only worsening as horrifying discoveries are made.

Both Rosamund Pike and Matthew Rhys, as the desperate parents, deliver outstanding performances, each reaching incredibly emotionally raw heights as both are given insightful character motivations and backgrounds to work with. Their choices throughout the car journey feel completely realistic, with the father voicing his decision to take the blame for his daughter so she can continue to study at university and hopefully create a bright future for herself, whilst the mother (whose background is in medical care) tries to talk her daughter through how to give CPR. Anybody will be able to put themselves in their shoes and understand their actions, with both characters clashing on what they believe is best for their child, intensifying the stakes.

Effectively atmospheric, disturbing, and truly shocking - Hallow Road is one of those special cinemagoing experiences which restores one's faith in Hollywood and the infinite possibilities of creative storytelling. Definitely worth seeing on the big screen if you get the chance!

Check out the trailer for Hallow Road (2025) and please let me know your thoughts in the comments!