I’m not gonna lie to you—after watching HIVE, I might still babysit kids…
…but we are absolutely not going anywhere near a playground. Especially not at night.
That’s the kind of effect HIVE has on you. It takes something familiar, something harmless, and flips it into something deeply unsettling. Think Jaws, but instead of the ocean, it’s swings, slides, and the kind of spaces we never think twice about.
And yeah… it sticks with you.
From Horror Concept to Something Deeper
I had the chance to sit down with Felipe Vargas and Aaron Dominguez, and what stood out immediately is that HIVE isn’t just trying to scare you—it’s trying to say something.
What started as a short film evolved into something bigger. For Felipe, the question became: what is this really about beyond the scares?
The answer? Family.
At its core, HIVE is about siblings, sacrifice, and the things we don’t always say out loud. That emotional through-line is what grounds the film, even when everything onscreen is spiraling into chaos.
Aaron Dominguez on Playing a Protector
Aaron steps into the role of Marco, an older brother navigating pressure, responsibility, and survival—all at once.
And what makes it work is that it never feels one-note.
There’s this layered tension between doing what you think is right versus what someone else needs from you. As Aaron put it, both sides can be right at the same time—and that’s where the real conflict lives.
It’s also where the film quietly taps into cultural nuance, especially around family dynamics, sacrifice, and unspoken struggles within immigrant households.
That detail? That’s what elevates HIVE.
Yes, It’s Scary — But That’s Not the Point
Don’t get it twisted—this movie absolutely leans into horror.
You’ve got:
- A missing child
- A reality that keeps shifting
- A playground that feels anything but safe
But what I appreciated most is that the film doesn’t rely on fear alone. There’s intention behind it.
There’s a moment toward the end that really hit for me—not even because of the horror, but because of what it represents. It’s about realizing what actually matters. Not status. Not perception. Not the “perfect” life.
Just people.
That shift? That’s the real heart of the film.
Why HIVE Works
What HIVE does well is simple:
It gives you the thrill and the meaning.
It’s a horror film that understands:
- Fear gets you in the door
- Emotion is what stays with you
And with a strong central performance and a clear directorial vision, it delivers on both.
Final Thoughts
HIVE is one of those films that sneaks up on you.
You go in expecting a horror-thriller—and you get that—but you also walk away thinking about family, sacrifice, and perspective.
Just… maybe think twice before your next trip to the playground.
Watch the full interview with Aaron Dominguez and Felipe Vargas above.
HIVE premieres this Friday, April 17th, on TUBI.
