Izzy lives with her mother in an isolated location in the mountains. The 16-year-old spends most of her time roaming the woods on her own or playing with her mother in their super-cool metal band H6LLB6ND6R. Izzy dreams of performing live, but she knows this will never happen – because she is ill and not allowed to go near other people. Her mother keeps a close eye on her. Apart from living in total isolation, this also involves sticking to a strictly vegan diet. One day, Izzy has a chance encounter with Amber and her friends at a weekend house. During a drinking game, Izzy unlocks her supernatural powers, which she learns to perfect and make use of. The female members of her family have had connections to witchcraft for generations. A Hellbender can only die if her daughter destroys her.
Hellbender is an improvised project which the family put together on the road during lockdown. The actors and directors, Toby Poser and Zelda Adams, are also mother and daughter in real life. By making their films independently, the Adams family remain free from the constraints of rules and conventions. Against the supernatural horror backdrop, Poser’s mother figure acquires a captivating authenticity. This unique coming-of-age story is full of female superpowers, lightness, humour and rock ’n’ roll.

Guest: Toby Poser

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