**A Parent’s Ultimate Fear Materializes in *Hallow Road***

Picture being abruptly awakened in the dead of night by a call from your child—sobbing, terrified, and in dire need of assistance. Time is of the essence. What would your reaction be?

This spine-chilling concept lays the groundwork for *Hallow Road*, the latest suspense thriller from Babak Anvari, the renowned director of *Under the Shadow*. The movie chronicles the frantic journey of two parents racing to find their daughter, Alice, who has called from the aftermath of a car crash. However, as they hasten toward the accident site, the true horror emerges—not only in the dread of what they may encounter, but in the eerie mystery of what’s unfolding on the other line.

Crafted by William Gillies, *Hallow Road* presents a claustrophobic, anxiety-inducing narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. With most of the film set within a moving vehicle, the tension escalates through what the parents can—and more disturbingly, cannot—perceive. The uncertainty transforms into the genuine source of fear, magnified by Anvari’s exceptional direction and the compelling performances of Rosamund Pike and Matthew Rhys.

### *Hallow Road* Delves into the Desperation of Parents in Distress

Set against the backdrop of England, the film introduces Maddie (Pike), a composed and practical paramedic, who receives a frantic call from her 18-year-old daughter, Alice (Megan McDonnell). Alice finds herself in a car accident on a remote, densely wooded stretch known as Hallow Road. Although she claims she’s unhurt, she is visibly shaken—someone else lies motionless in the road.

Maddie quickly begins asking pragmatic questions to gauge the situation, while her husband Frank (Rhys) reacts with palpable anxiety, urging them to hurry to the scene. As they drive, tensions simmer between the couple. Hints of a previous dispute with Alice arise, implying that she had left in a fit before the crash. However, beyond their personal disputes, a more profound rift emerges—Maddie contends they must confront the reality of what transpired, whereas Frank desperately seeks to shield their daughter from any ramifications.

### A Gripping, Confined Journey

What renders *Hallow Road* particularly captivating is its restricted setting. Practically the entire film unfolds inside the parents’ SUV as they dash toward their daughter. Anvari and Gillies boldly opt never to cut away to Alice or her environment. The sole visual link to her is the illuminated caller ID image on Maddie’s phone—a stark juxtaposition to the terror-stricken, weeping voice on the line.

As the call persists, ominous sounds begin to filter into the backdrop, stirring unsettling inquiries. What precisely is transpiring on Hallow Road? And is Alice genuinely by herself?

### Rosamund Pike and Matthew Rhys Provide Unforgettable Performances

While the setup may appear straightforward—two parents rushing to an accident—*Hallow Road* defies predictability. The genuine drama stems from the intensifying conflict between Maddie and Frank. Frank is eager to safeguard Alice, while Maddie asserts that facing the truth is the only path forward. As the narrative unfolds, cryptic indicators imply that Maddie harbors knowledge beyond what she initially reveals, adding another layer of intrigue.

Rhys delivers a riveting performance as a father barely managing to keep it together, with raw and explosive emotions. Pike, celebrated for her chilling roles in *Gone Girl* and *Saltburn*, begins as the serene, logical one—but as tension escalates, her portrayal takes unexpected and gripping twists. Their dynamic is intense, rendering every moment in the car palpably suffocating.

### A Thriller That Subverts Expectations

Focusing on a high-stakes phone conversation, *Hallow Road* draws parallels to films like *The Guilty* and *Locke*. Yet, just when you believe you anticipate its direction, the film veers sharply into terrifying territory. A new voice interrupts Alice’s call—someone who was never meant to be there. Is it a well-meaning bystander? Or have they unwittingly stumbled into something far more malevolent?

Confined in the car with Maddie and Frank, the audience experiences their fear up close. The uncertainty is excruciating, and the film’s relentless pacing guarantees no respite.

### A Must-See Thriller That Will Leave You Disturbed

After its world premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film and TV Festival, *Hallow Road* swiftly became one of the most discussed films. And rightly so—its jaw-dropping twists and expert execution make it a standout thriller.

Anvari’s direction is incisive, utilizing tight close-ups and frantic whip pans to enhance the tension. Kit Fraser’s cinematography keeps the action fluid despite the limited setting, while the haunting sound design—Alice’s