December theatrical releases are usually reserved for big blockbusters that will draw families to the box office around the holidays or serious award contenders. When you think Christmas, you usually think uplifting films that evoke warm fuzzy feelings. Or, if you’re New World Pictures (or a horror fan), perhaps you’re thinking leather, torture, Cenobites, and a Lament Configuration instead. Released a mere 14 months after the first film, Hellbound: Hellraiser II arrived in theaters on December 23, 1988. The close proximity to Christmas didn’t phase audience goers, either, and the sequel did fairly well at the box office considering the season and limited scope of release.
In the sequel, we find the nightmare isn’t over for poor Kirsty Cotton (Ashley Lawrence), who has been institutionalized after the events of the first film. It’s a lucky coincidence for Dr. Channard (Kenneth Cranham), who has long been in search of the Lament Configuration, and uses the information Kirsty has unwittingly given him to revive Julia Cotton (Clare Higgins) in the same gruesome fashion we saw Frank Cotton resurrect in Hellraiser.
The iconic Cenobites may be the poster children for this series, but Julia Cotton is the true villain of the first two films. She’s one of the best horror villains of all time, really, in large part to Higgins performance. She’s the epitome of ruthless, and in Hellbound: Hellraiser II, that ruthlessness meant Julia’s been thriving in Hell. She has new ambitions and no one will stand in her way. Not even former lover turned betrayer Frank Cotton, as noted in one of the best moments in the film.
Despite attempts to warn everyone, Kirsty is forced back into the nightmare thanks to the actions of those around her, namely innocent patient Tiffany (Iomegn Boorman), Dr. Channard, and a mangled corpse that claims to be her suffering father. Whereas her wicked stepmother is callous and bloodthirsty, Kirsty is resilient and caring. Even when dragged into the Labyrinth of Hell, her focus is saving Tiffany. In other words, Kirsty and Julia are a perfect balance.
Perhaps more important of all, Hellbound: Hellraiser II doesn’t just continue Kirsty’s story, but it expands the universe in a gratifying way. This time, Kirsty finds herself in the Cenobite’s domain. A maze of hellish nightmares, Kirsty has to battle her family’s demons and actual demons. This sequel gives us more than just Cenobites, but the overseer of the Labyrinth of Hell, monstrous god Leviathan. It gives us the creation of a new Cenobite, while giving glimpses of the previous Cenobites’ humanity.
Clive Barker handed over the directorial reigns to Tony Randel, who served as production executive on the first film and knew the world well, while Barker stayed on as executive producer. It was through Rendel’s previous work in the universe, and the geometrical artwork of M.C. Escher that lent to the unique look for Hell. One of the biggest hurdles Rendel had to contend with as director was getting the film approved by the MPAA. Julia’s bloody mattress turned gooey resurrection became the biggest sticking point of the whole film for the board. It took a lot of trimming, and a lost appeal, to get the film approved for an R-rating for its theatrical release.
Luckily, the theatrical release was limited, and it eventually made its way onto home release unrated – gore intact. So, the most common version found today is the unrated version. Blood, viscera, interdimensional demons, expanded mythology and compelling characters in both Julia Cotton and series final girl Kirsty Cotton makes for a sequel that arguably surpasses its predecessor. Hellbound: Hellraiser II further embedded its characters into the horror lexicon, and holds up well even 30 years later. It will tear your soul apart… again.
