‘Hallow Road’ Debuts as a Gripping Thriller with Rosamund Pike and Matthew Rhys

Babak Anvari’s tense, car-bound drama explores family dynamics and moral dilemmas before veering into unexpected territory.

‘Hallow Road,’ directed by Babak Anvari, premiered at SXSW 2025 to critical acclaim for its intense storytelling and unique single-location setting.
The film stars Rosamund Pike and Matthew Rhys as parents navigating a late-night crisis involving their daughter, played by Megan McDonnell.
Set almost entirely in a car, the film uses its confined setting to heighten tension and focus on the complex family relationships at its core.
Critics praised the performances of Pike and Rhys, who carry the emotional weight of the story, as well as the film’s seamless shift from psychological thriller to dark folklore-inspired horror.
William Gillies’ debut screenplay and Kit Fraser’s cinematography were highlighted for their taut pacing and visual creativity, contributing to the film’s claustrophobic and suspenseful atmosphere.