PopHorror Let's Get Scared
I watched Cruel Hands twice, because admittedly, it is a movie that requires focus to really sink your teeth into. However, once you submit yourself to focusing on the intensely themed plot of the film, you will absolutely be immersed. The craftsmanship and detail of Cruel Hands is only truly appreciated when the viewer can give the entirety of their attention to it.
A slow burn, Cruel Hands releases in theatres and on digital platforms July 24th, 2026, by Dark Sky Films. The horror/dark thriller was written and directed by Al Kalyk (Saint Paul 2018) and cowritten by Mathew Kalyk and produced by Ashley McLeod and Al Kalyk. Cruel Hands displays what can happen when we sacrifice to save our lives and the lives of our loved ones. The cast do a wonderful job depicting humanity at its most cruel, most vulnerable, and most powerful.
In Cruel Hands, Maria, played by Mavournee Hazel (Home Kills 2023), must flee a dire and violent situation with her young son Dai, played by Diesel La Torraca (It: Welcome to Derry 2025). Maria’s husband and Dai’s father, Jason, played by Josh McConville (Thrash 2026) is often physically abusive and relentless with his anger. Terrified, Maria places a phone call using the cell phone of a convenience store clerk mere seconds before Jason can find out what is happening. The mother and son are picked up from their home, Jason at their heels, and the pair barely escapes. Picked up by her aunt, they are taken to an abandoned farmhouse to try and survive on their own while they hide from Jason. Nearby, Australian bushfires blaze. Cruel Hands takes place during the ‘Black Summer Bushfires’ that devastated Australia in 2019.
It’s my opinion that fire is representative of the chaos and unpredictability that living with abuse brings. The majority of the times we see Jason, he is draped in red or orange lighting, and he indeed, does inflict chaos and destruction. The ashes we see outside the farmhouse window, against the beautiful green scenery outside the farmhouse, are a great metaphor for the memories and trauma that intercept our daily lives after our escape. You can get out physically, but you can never truly leave. The terror of Maria and Dai is truly palpable when they are found by Jason. Every creak of the floorboards under Jason’s foot as he wanders the farmhouse in search of Maria and Dai, represents the viewers heartbeat as we hold our breath in anticipation of what will occur. The audience becomes his victims as well. What a brilliant job all involved have done to ensure Cruel Hands is as intense as it is captivating and unique. Dealing with such a triggering and dark subject matter, the film is really an emotional roller coaster ride of survival, resilience, and tragedy.
It is easy to see why Cruel Hands was a film festival favorite, winning the Dark Matters Best Narrative Feature at the Austin Film Festival, and having official selection there as well as Beyond Fest Chicago, Panic Fest, and Cleveland International Film Festival. You can find it in select theatres and online at Apple Tv, YouTube and more.
To fully appreciate and enjoy Cruel Hands, I’d recommend turning the lights down and giving the movie the respect it deserves, with all of your focus and attention directed toward the atmospheric and moody themes and plots.
