Herman – Movie Review (3/5)

HERMAN is a new psychological horror-thriller set mostly in one location but with far-reaching consequences. It’s a very powerful story with a final act that starts well, but drags on for too long. Unfortunately, as this had potential for more. Read our full Herman movie review here!

HERMAN is a psychological horror-thriller about an older man trying to live with the choices he made in life. Or rather, he is often trying to run from them, and on this fateful night, there is interference. The kind that forces him to acknowledge past misdeeds.

I was completely invested in this for the longest time, but that final act was a bit of a let-down. Not that it’s a bad story, but the pacing drags out, and the tempo is almost at a standstill for a few minutes too long. Still, this is definitely worth checking out, so I’m just irritated that it didn’t stay as good until the very end.

Continue reading our review of the Herman movie below. Find it on VOD from December 2, 2025.

Haunted or hunted?

In Herman, the title character is ready to end his life when someone comes knocking on his door. Having led a life of solitude, he tends to reflect on what he had and what he lost. On this particular night, he will be forced to come to terms with his past actions.

His misdeeds, to be exact.

Having Herman come out in December is perfect, as it has a touch of The Christmas Carol to its plot. Not in detail, but being confronted by people who insist that he look back on his life and acknowledge what has led him to this point.

Herman (Colin Ward) will find himself haunted (and almost hunted) by several dark forces. Many of which originate from himself in a roundabout way.

Will he be able to come to terms with his past, or will the late-night visitors seeking shelter at his cabin be forced to go to extremes?! Well, Herman is an older white man, so I’m sure you can imagine. No matter his objections, he will be forced to fully confront his inner demons.

Watch Herman on VOD now

Herman comes from writer-director Andrew Vogel, who has created a very engaging and fascinating story. I have seen it done better in movies such as You’ll Never Find Me and Pandemonium. However, this one does come very close at several points throughout the runtime.

Also, the cast led by Colin Ward (Mank, Perry Mason) as Herman was very strong. I especially liked Suzann Toni Petrongolo (Dead Giveaway, The Dirty South) as Sister Mary. Also in a key role is Lawson Greyson (V/H/S Halloween) as Alice, while writer-director Andrew Vogel himself also plays a very important role in front of the camera.

Personally, I loved how it was shot mostly in one location, which became increasingly claustrophobic as Herman is confronted with his past. Also, for the longest time, I didn’t look at how much time had passed. This ended somewhere during the final act, which is why the rating isn’t higher, but it is still a big recommendation to watch this horror-thriller.

Herman is out on VOD on December 2, 2025, via Scatena & Rosner Films.

Details

Director: Andrew Vogel
Script: Andrew Vogel
Cast: Colin Ward, Suzann Toni Petrongolo, Lawson Greyson, Andrew Vogel, Alex James, Soni Theresa Montgomery