Watch Tormenting the Hen

Tormenting the Hen is a 2017 independent thriller directed and written by Theodore Collatos, which follows the story of a city couple, Claire and Monica, who travel to rural Maine in hopes of writing a screenplay. The movie explores the psychological dynamics of a group of artists and their attempts to balance between their personal ambitions and their relationships with each other.

The movie opens with Claire and Monica leaving their city lives behind to spend time in rural Maine during the fall season, where they plan to exploit the natural surroundings to inspire their screenplay. They arrive at the home of Leonard and Paula, their hosts for the week.

Tormenting the Hen is not an ordinary thriller. The film builds the suspense without using the conventional scare tactics, such as jump scares or gore. Instead, the director focuses on the character development, the subtle facial expressions, and the well-thought-out dialogues between the actors. The interactions between the characters are layered with tensions, unsaid feelings and unease, which create an ominous environment that keeps the audience on edge.

The tension among the characters slowly unfolds as the narrative of Tormenting the Hen progresses putting in evidence the underlying fears and desires. Leonard, who is a mysterious and reclusive sculptor, is one of the main sources of tension. Leonard's silence and secrets gravitate around the movie. Furthermore, his ambiguous relationship with a young graduate assistant, Robin, adds more complexity to the narrative.

The performances given by Brian Harlan Brooks, Josephine Decker, and Dameka Hayes, guide the audience through the psychological maze of the story. They bring nuance and complexity to their respective roles, capturing the idiosyncrasies and peculiarities of their characters. Brooks, who portrays Leonard, brings a dark and brooding presence onto the screen, always keeping the audience guessing about the character's true intentions. Decker embodies Claire's character, who becomes obsessed with Leonard's secrets and has a desire to unravel the mysteries surrounding him. Hayes, who plays Robin, brings a sense of vulnerability and naivety to the screen, which makes her character even more relatable.

The movie's cinematography enhances the atmosphere of the tale, featuring many shots of the rural Maine landscape at the peak of autumn colors. The bucolic setting contrasts with the underlying tensions among the characters, which results in a more significant impact.

The film's sound design and music are also worth mentioning. The sound design is understated, and the score is atmospheric, heightening the suspense of the movie.

In conclusion, Tormenting the Hen is a gripping thriller that hooks the audience through the excellent performances, attention to detail, and psychological complexity of the characters. It proves that suspense does not have to come through cheap, predictable scares or gore but can come in a much more nuanced, subtle way. Although not suitable for all tastes, the movie presents a rich and entertaining experience that will not disappoint those who are seeking to be immersed in a darker atmosphere.