What Only Longtime Hellraiser Fans Will Recognize About Riley From Hulu's Reboot
David Bruckner's "Hellraiser" has been billed as a reimagining of Clive Barker's seminal horror film, and it is in many ways. For a start, Jamie Clayton is the new Pinhead and she brings a beguiling and ethereal quality to the character that differs from Doug Bradley's bold and sinister portrayal in the original film. That said, while each film's respective Hell Priest might be different, their protagonists have a lot in common.
Riley (Odessa A'Zion) is the latest unfortunate soul to encounter the Lament Configuration and the Cenobites. When we first meet her in Hulu's reboot, she's a recovering drug addict who turns to a life of crime in an attempt to make ends meet. That's how she discovers the puzzle box and causes all Hell to break loose.
A'Zion's character is a complex and interesting protagonist who's easy to root for. And while she stands out on her own merits, there are aspects of her personality that are reminiscent of Kirsty Cotton (Ashley Laurence) from the original franchise.
Riley and Kirsty are very similar
The new "Hellraiser" understands that the franchise was founded on the notion of vulnerable people finding strength in the face of unspeakable danger. Clive Barker has a tendency to write about flawed humans who find themselves in supernatural situations and are forced to overcome the odds. David Bruckner's "Hellraiser" retains this quality.
Riley is at the hellbound heart of the reboot. As previously mentioned, she's a recovering drug addict who unwittingly encounters the forces of darkness upon opening the Lament Configuration. She also loses her brother in the process. This is similar to Kirsty's experience in Clive Barker's "Hellraiser," as she's another flawed individual who finds herself entangled in a messy situation, which ultimately has ramifications for her father. The goal of both women is to save their loved ones, but at what cost?
Bruckner's "Hellraiser" also sees Riley given the chance to offer sacrifices to the Cenobites in exchange for her brother's freedom. This echoes the plot of "Hellraiser: Hellseeker," which sees Kirsty bring fresh souls to Pinhead in exchange for amnesty.