Hanger (film)

Hanger is a 2009 independent horror film written and directed by Adam Brooks and Matthew Kennedy, collectively known as Astron-6. The film is notable for its extreme gore and dark humor, playing with themes of urban legend and the consequences of unchecked violence.

The film centers around a seemingly innocent child found abandoned in a shopping mall bathroom. After being placed in the care of a corrupt and abusive orphanage run by a deranged headmistress, the child develops a disturbing habit of collecting and using coat hangers. As he grows older, his affinity for hangers evolves into a macabre form of justice, targeting those who abuse or neglect him and other children.

Hanger employs a low-budget aesthetic, often utilizing practical effects to achieve its graphic depictions of violence. This stylistic choice contributes to the film's cult appeal, as does its self-aware and satirical tone. While garnering attention for its over-the-top gore and darkly comedic elements, Hanger has also been criticized for its extreme violence and potentially exploitative content. It remains a controversial but significant work within the independent horror genre.