Directed by: Matthew Ninaber
Written by: Jannah Kitzman, Matthew Ninaber
Starring: Kristen Kaster, Storm Steenson
Film Review by: William Curzon
Hy3na follows a desperate young woman as she falls under the control of a seductive predator, becoming both a pawn in a lethal power dynamic and the prime suspect in a series of brutal murders. As two detectives work tirelessly to track down a serial killer targeting patrons of an online sex worker, they get tangled up in the online web of sex and money.
Hy3na adopts a fairly engaging non-linear narrative structure that shifts between past and present, exploring the relationship between the central characters Nicole (Kristen Kaster) and Rachel (Storm Steenson). This approach works well, as the screenplay delves deeply into their characterisation while never losing sight of the central mystery. The opening, in particular, is so fast-paced that it’s almost overwhelming to process everything happening. That said, once the narrative gets going and delves deeper into the mystery aspect, it takes a more methodical approach, exploring each character’s motivation. While the narrative becomes somewhat repetitive in the middle, it gets more pulse-pounding as it delves into the story’s sinister aspects. Despite some of its pacing issues, the filmmakers flesh out the characters in an engaging way, and it never overstays its welcome.
The narrative explores themes of power dynamics in sex work and how certain characters have been exploited by men in the past. Another apt theme is repressed trauma, which works well with both central character arcs and never feels shoehorned in for narrative progression. It maintains its sinister tone throughout and commits to the bloody and disturbing odyssey into a world of sex and money. The filmmakers never shy away from these themes and convey the tension and severity of the conflict compellingly without ever feeling self-indulgent. The film’s neon-drenched aesthetic works incredibly well with the interior lighting and text pop-ups, effectively signalling shifts into new timeframes. Despite how aesthetically pleasing it is, it can feel overly stylised in certain scenes for no particular reason.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the experience is Matthew Ninaber’s editing throughout. Given how much footage was captured, it’s incredibly jaw-dropping how fluid the edit feels as it consistently cuts from a wide range of different perspectives without ever feeling jarring. The frenetic editing choices are apt, and they fit the narrative exceptionally well. Another astounding technical aspect is the camerawork. The cinematography mostly consists of tighter framing during dialogue-heavy scenes and shifts to camera rigging from the side of a moving vehicle. This is a highly suspenseful approach that pays off exceptionally well; the camera never shies away from the bloody violence, with some impressive VFX and makeup.
The performances throughout are exceptional and convey their characters’ emotions compellingly with a mix of rage and vulnerability. Kristen Kaster’s portrayal of Nicole is outstanding thanks to her commanding approach, as much of the material rests on her performance as the lead. Storm Steenson’s portrayal of Rachel is more subdued while maintaining authority, and as the narrative progresses, she becomes more intriguing. The chemistry between Kristen Kaster and Storm Steenson is incredibly magnetic and the heart and soul of the narrative’s central ideas.
Hy3na is a disturbing and pulse-pounding experience that plunges audiences into a world of excess and crime. While it may suffer from a few pacing issues and an overly convoluted conclusion, the performances and neon-drenched backdrop make the experience worthwhile.
HY3NA will have its World Premiere at Tube FrightFest on 31st August