Movies with parasitic creatures in them usually get people’s attention right away, especially if they have a unique twist. Hive tries to stand out by adding a threat that only affects babysitters and domestic workers. The idea is interesting, but the way it is done feels familiar.
Sarah, a young woman who wants to go to college, gets a babysitting job in a wealthy neighborhood to make extra money. She meets a scary person on her first day who seems to only go after service workers. It’s a scary idea, but the movie has trouble fully exploring it.
The first scene is very intense and sets the mood right away. A young woman runs for her life, scared and hurt, before she is brutally killed. A group of children who don’t show any emotion watch the whole thing happen. This is a very interesting beginning that promises a scary story.
The story then moves on to Sarah, who starts her job in Coral Grove. She comes with her brother Marcus and their friend Darius, who work nearby as landscapers. Coral Grove itself is a big part of how the movie feels. The neighborhood is spotless, with clean streets, perfect lawns, and modern homes. But it feels strange and empty, which adds a layer of quiet tension.
Sarah has to take care of Zaley, a child who is said to have behavioral problems. She is told very clearly not to let Zaley leave the house. But things quickly get out of hand when Zaley convinces her to go outside to get a doll, which starts the main conflict of the movie.
The performances are hit or miss. Xochitl does a great job of playing Sarah, showing both her drive and her weakness. She makes the role more relatable and fun, which makes it easy to cheer for her. On the other hand, Marcus and Darius don’t feel fully developed; they seem more like predictable side characters than real people. Frances, who is older and more careful, gives some advice and helps the story move toward finding out what the hive is hiding.
The pacing of the movie is one of its best parts. The events happen in one day, which helps keep the story moving and connected. The movie has a lot of disturbing and grotesque images that make it truly scary.
Even though there are some good things about Hive, its story doesn’t work. The main idea has promise, but the movie relies too much on horror cliches and doesn’t add enough new things. The mystery is interesting enough to keep people watching, but it doesn’t have the depth to make a lasting impression.
Hive is a good horror movie overall. It has a strong idea and some scary scenes, but it doesn’t do much to move the genre forward or fully use its unique idea.
