It Hunts (2026) — Film Review

It Hunts is a low-budget indie movie written and directed by Gabriel Black. It provides a subtle blend of psychological and supernatural horror, riding on the back of a mystery that should grab most viewers right from the start: is the central character, Casey, having a mental breakdown, or is he experiencing paranormal activity? Initially it looks like things could go either way, but several strange occurrences, including visits from the Grim Reaper, suggest Casey might be in danger. Later scenes reveal the scythe-wielding guy in black isn’t the one he needs to worry about.

Casey (Izzy Martinez) is a call-center operative who works from home and repairs computers as a side gig. Like his girlfriend Alex (Katlin Svadbik), Casey works the graveyard shift. However, he lacks her strong work ethic. While Alex spends her nights toiling in a busy bar, Casey spends much of his time asleep at his desk, or enjoying a cup of coffee and a chat with his friend Fred (J. J. Crowne), who is the neighborhood security guard. Early scenes show Casey’s lack of motivation to do anything but snooze has already placed a strain on his relationship with Alex, but she genuinely cares about her man, and when the chips are down she is there to support him one hundred percent.

It Hunts begins with a mellow scene where a guy is strolling the busy nighttime streets of Miami, heading for his car with a bottle of rum and a cigar. He is not destined to finish enjoying either one because a woman hiding in the backseat stabs him to death as soon as he gets behind the wheel. However, It Hunts has more in common with slow-burn thrillers than slasher films, so although the sound effects are convincing, viewers are spared the sight of gushing blood.

When Casey is introduced in the following scene, his life is already beginning to go off the rails. Shortly after waking up at his desk with a post-it note stuck to his forehead, he hears strange noises in his home. He investigates, shrugs off the disturbance, and then returns to his desk, where he falls asleep and has a troubling dream in which he murders a guy on a beach.

After a number of strange episodes that appear to be supernatural, Casey seeks the help of psychiatrist Dr. Milan (Gabriel Lopez), who prescribes him some medication. When the pills fail to do their job, Dr. Milan ups the dose, but Casey’s visions and nightmares continue, resulting in Fred stating his belief that Casey is a medium.

It Hunts has the benefit of well-written script that takes viewers on a crazy ride where it is hard to be certain what may come next. It’s anything but a run-of-the-mill story.

Izzy Martinez’ portrayal of Casey, if not great, is adequate. Katlin Svadbik presents a stronger character, allowing Alex to be the dominant force in many of her scenes, and though his appearances on screen are limited, J. J Crowne’s character, Fred, plays an important role in the film by helping to guide Casey in the right direction, and filling in some of the blanks. Some of the conversations between the characters come across a little staged, but many viewers may find it easy to forgive this due to being so invested in their quest to understand what is happening to Casey.

Actress Joici Lucia turns up throughout the film, flashing white eyeballs to add a touch of additional menace. Her character is never named, but is in a similar predicament to Casey, though at opposing sides of the fence, and has a greater knowledge of Casey’s situation than anyone else, except, perhaps, Casey’s dead girlfriend, Lisa (Red Devigne), who becomes increasingly important towards the end of the film.

Although It Hunts is unlikely to hit the spot with viewers seeking a slasher film or high-octane horror with buckets of blood, the film has much going for it. There’s a lot going on, and plenty of surprises along the way. Special effects are limited, but the animated scene where the devil on the label of a bottle of rum comes to life is first-rate. The ariel shots also work well, and the drone footage used during the chase through the woods towards the end of the film is particularly effective.

However, I have to put my hands up and admit I don’t understand the film’s conclusion. It’s ambiguous. I’ve watched it several times and remain unable to connect the dots. It’s possible something has gone over my head, but I am unlikely to be the only mystified viewer. Nevertheless, I can’t say I feel let down. Even though for me there is no clear resolution, I’m still glad I watched It Hunts. It’s a good film. I enjoyed it. Give it a chance and you may enjoy it as well.

It Hunts is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

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