Hellboy (2019) – A Dark, Action-Packed Reboot with a Punch

Introduction

The Hellboy (2019) reboot, directed by Neil Marshall and starring David Harbour as the titular character, brought a fresh yet darker take on the beloved comic book antihero. Unlike Guillermo del Toro’s visually stunning and somewhat whimsical adaptations, this version aimed for a grittier, bloodier, and more action-packed tone, staying closer to Mike Mignola’s original graphic novel inspirations.

However, upon its release, Hellboy (2019) garnered mixed to negative reviews from critics and audiences alike. While some appreciated its faithfulness to the source material and R-rated brutality, others felt it lacked the charm and cohesiveness of its predecessors. In this in-depth review, we break down the film’s plot, performances, action sequences, visual effects, themes, and overall impact.

Plot Summary

The film follows Hellboy, a demon raised by humans and working for the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (B.P.R.D.). He is called upon to stop an ancient sorceress, Nimue the Blood Queen (played by Milla Jovovich), who is resurrected and seeks to unleash hell on Earth.

The story weaves through Hellboy’s struggle with his demonic origins, his relationship with his adoptive father, Professor Broom (Ian McShane), and the battle against supernatural threats, including giants, grotesque monsters, and mythical creatures. As the Blood Queen attempts to seduce Hellboy into embracing his destiny as the harbinger of the apocalypse, he must choose between his demonic heritage and his human side.

While the premise had potential, the execution often felt disjointed, with pacing issues and an overstuffed narrative that tried to incorporate too many elements from Mignola’s comics at once.

Cast and Performances

David Harbour as Hellboy

Stepping into the big red shoes previously worn by Ron Perlman, Harbour delivers a rugged, aggressive, and more tormented version of Hellboy. While his performance captures the character’s brute strength and inner turmoil, it sometimes lacks the wit and charm that made Perlman’s portrayal so beloved.

Milla Jovovich as Nimue the Blood Queen

Jovovich brings an eerie presence to the villainous role, but her character suffers from underwhelming development. Despite being hyped as a major threat, she often feels sidelined in her own movie.

Ian McShane as Professor Broom

McShane plays a gruffer, less nurturing version of Hellboy’s adoptive father. While his performance is strong, the chemistry between Broom and Hellboy lacks the warmth of the previous iterations.

Supporting Cast

• Sasha Lane as Alice Monaghan – A psychic medium with ties to Hellboy’s past, she brings some emotional weight to the film but is underutilized.
• Daniel Dae Kim as Ben Daimio – A military officer with a secret of his own, his character adds tension to the team dynamic but isn’t given enough room to shine.

Action and Visual Effects

One of the film’s selling points was its promise of intense, R-rated action, and in that department, Hellboy (2019) delivers. The fights are brutal, gory, and often exhilarating, with Hellboy taking on a variety of monstrous adversaries.

However, while the practical effects and creature designs are impressive, the heavy reliance on CGI weakens some key moments. Certain action sequences feel over-edited and lack the weight and impact of practical stunts.

The film’s cinematography embraces a darker, grimier aesthetic, which matches the brutal tone but sometimes makes the visuals feel murky and cluttered. Unlike del Toro’s visually rich world-building, this reboot leans heavily on a horror-inspired aesthetic that doesn’t always feel immersive.

Themes and Tone

Faithfulness to the Comics

One of the film’s biggest strengths is its attempt to stay truer to Mike Mignola’s comic book lore. Elements from The Wild Hunt, The Storm and the Fury, and other iconic storylines are incorporated, bringing more of the Hellboy mythos to the big screen.

Darker and More Violent Approach

The shift to a hard R-rating allowed for more graphic violence, horror elements, and crude humor. While this pleased some fans, others felt it sacrificed heart and character depth for excessive gore.

Hellboy’s Identity Crisis

The movie explores Hellboy’s internal conflict between his demonic origins and his desire to do good. While this is a key theme in the comics, the film’s execution feels rushed, making his character arc less impactful.

Reception and Box Office Performance

Upon release, Hellboy (2019) struggled both critically and financially:

• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 18% (Critics) | 49% (Audience)
• IMDB Rating: 5.2/10
• Box Office Earnings: Approximately $55 million against a $50 million budget, making it a commercial disappointment.

Critics pointed to inconsistent tone, a lack of emotional depth, and a messy script as key weaknesses. Fans were divided—some appreciated the darker approach, while others missed the charm of the del Toro films.

Final Verdict

Pros:

✅ Faithful to the source material in terms of horror and folklore elements ✅ Brutal, action-packed sequences with intense R-rated violence ✅ David Harbour’s committed performance as Hellboy ✅ Strong creature designs and practical effects

Cons:

❌ Disjointed storytelling with too many subplots ❌ Weak character development and lack of emotional depth ❌ Over-reliance on CGI in key sequences ❌ Lacks the heart and charm of previous adaptations

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)

While Hellboy (2019) had potential as a darker, grittier reboot, it ultimately falls short due to uneven execution. Fans of the comics may appreciate the attempt at faithfulness, but those expecting a well-rounded film may find it lacking. For action and gore enthusiasts, it offers entertainment value, but for those looking for a deeply compelling Hellboy story, the previous films remain superior.