Gates of Darkness (2020)

Review Team

3.5/5

Gates of Darkness, directed by Don E. FauntLeRoy, attempts to blend the horror genre with a deeper exploration of familial ties and religious questions. The plot revolves around a teenager subjected to a terrifying exorcism, which serves as a catalyst for revealing shocking truths about his family a ... Show more >> Gates of Darkness, directed by Don E. FauntLeRoy, attempts to blend the horror genre with a deeper exploration of familial ties and religious questions. The plot revolves around a teenager subjected to a terrifying exorcism, which serves as a catalyst for revealing shocking truths about his family and the church. The film's pacing is commendable, with moments of genuine tension and fear that keep the audience engaged. However, while the performances are solid, particularly from the lead, the film does occasionally fall into familiar horror tropes that might disappoint some viewers looking for originality. The cinematography effectively captures the ominous atmosphere, enhancing the unsettling tone of the narrative. Overall, Gates of Darkness offers a mix of scares and thought-provoking themes, making it a worthwhile watch for horror aficionados, even if it doesn't break new ground. Show less

Editor Team

2/5

Gates of Darkness tries to be more than just another horror flick, but it often stumbles along the way. The premise is intriguing: a teen undergoing a frightening exorcism while uncovering dark family secrets. However, the execution feels lacklustre. The scares are predictable, and the plot twists a ... Show more >> Gates of Darkness tries to be more than just another horror flick, but it often stumbles along the way. The premise is intriguing: a teen undergoing a frightening exorcism while uncovering dark family secrets. However, the execution feels lacklustre. The scares are predictable, and the plot twists are telegraphed well in advance. The performances, while earnest, can't quite save the film from its clichés. It feels like a rehash of better horror films without bringing anything fresh to the table. The atmosphere is appropriately eerie, but that alone isn’t enough to carry the weight of the story. If you're in the mood for a decent horror film, you might find some enjoyment here, but don't expect anything groundbreaking. Gates of Darkness is more of a missed opportunity than a hidden gem. Show less