Beyond the Gates

Beyond the Gates

By Jackson Stewart

  • Genre: Horror
  • Release Date: 2016-12-09
  • Advisory Rating: Unrated
  • Runtime: 1h 22min
  • Director: Jackson Stewart
  • Production Company: Lodger Films
  • Production Country: United States of America
  • iTunes Price: USD 12.99
  • iTunes Rent Price: USD 3.99
5.1/10
5.1
From 185 Ratings

Description

A retro-cool blast from the day-glo 1980s past, Beyond the Gates zaps viewers back to a time when VHS ruled, video stores were meccas for horror fans, and shocks came with a healthy dose of schlock. In the wake of their father's mysterious disappearance, two estranged brothers—responsible Gordon (Graham Skipper) and reckless John (Chase Williamson)—reunite to sift through the contents of his stubbornly anachronistic VHS rental store. Among the inventory, they discover an interactive VCR board game, which their father viewed just before he vanished. Intrigued, the boys pop in the tape, press play, and soon discover that, far from an ordinary game, the video is a portal to a nightmarish alternate reality overseen by a sinister hostess (cult horror icon Barbara Crampton) and that in order to save their father's soul, they must play by her rules. Bursting with eye-popping practical effects, an unsettling synth score, and wicked black humor, Beyond the Gates puts a fresh spin on old-school terror.

Trailer

Photos

Reviews

  • Beyond Bad

    2
    By elephantwrestler
    The acting is bad, the editing is worse, the story is all over the place, do not watch this movie, it did not remind me of the 80's, or seem like any style movie making from that time period. The soundtrtack is great though, but that is as much a praise I will give it.
  • Disappointed

    1
    By whovian10
    Heard about this movie, been waiting for it to become available, and it was a total let down. Lead actor was terrible. Barbara Crampton was the only bright spot in this and she was in it for maybe ten minutes. I love b horror and really bad b horror at that and I'd still never watch this again
  • New Age 80's Horror B-Movie

    4
    By PabsLives
    Had to write a review since I'm sure this movie could be overlooked. Others comment that it's a slow starter, but it's indicative of the old 80's movies it's paying homage to. Yes, scenes drag a little from one to the next, but it does so to flesh out the world and characters. It's not all great and takes some get used to admittedly, but the film takes off in the second half. It's very unique and has better production value than expected. If I had draw an analogy, I'd say it reminds me of a cross between the original Evil Dead, Krampus, and Hobo with a Shotgun. If those films sound good to you, then it's an easy recommendation. Looking forward to busting this out come Halloween :)
  • Not a fan - corny acting

    2
    By Nathan1982
    It's an okay B movie I guess. I'd only recommend if you're scrounging for stuff to watch.
  • A bit slow but very good

    5
    By nonaya
    It takes a bit to get into the guts of the movie. But I certainly don't regret waiting. It has both a nostalgic and new age feel at the same time.
  • Every Horror Fan Should See This

    5
    By Black Scorpion Elite
    BEYOND THE GATES is a low budget horror film which has conquered fest after fest and gained legions of fans and I am reasonably confident it will grow into a genuine cult classic. If you remember VHS horror games you will think this is a brilliant concept, and you will see a truer celebration of nostalgia than in the pretty forced Stranger Things. The best thing about the film is that with very little resources it builds a cool mythology with this game while also keeping things fun between the lead characters. How to describe it? Listen, it's just totally fun. You won't regret it.
  • Board Games, VHS Tapes, and Family

    4
    By RichardLeis
    This is one of those slow-burn horror films that may bore some viewers but the nostalgia and character building are going to make fans of the rest. Barbara Crampton makes a great but frightening VHS guide to another world not to be crossed. Graham Skipper and Chase Williamson are great as mumblecore brothers trying to return to childhood camaraderie. Brea Grant is fantastic as one of the brother's girlfriend caught up with the horror unleashed when they play the last VHS tape their dad played in the back office of his video store before he mysteriously disappeared. If you like violet back-lighting, unexpected visitors, and 1980's practical-effect gore, then this movie might be for you!
  • Awful

    2
    By DorrieL2
    Bad, slow, disjointed.
  • Light on believably heavy on heart

    3
    By marceleenmari
    Nothing about this jives, from the relations between characters to the game its self, but it is fun! I'd watch it again.
  • Nostalgic thrill ride

    4
    By allthingsundead
    Directed by Jackson Stewart and produced by Barbara Crampton, of Re Animator and We Are Still Here, comes a nostalgic blast from the past thrill ride. As a kid I use to love the popular 80's horror VHS board games like Atmosfear and Nightmare and was thrilled to see a film tackle that premise. The use of the vintage 80's mom and pop VHS store was added as well, as us 80's kids hold so dear to this day. The acting and story was very engaging and it actually felt like you were a part of the game being played on screen. There was ample gore for you video nasty lovers, and the thing that stood out to me the most was the straight from the 80's lighting and score. Another shock was the character of Evelyn played by Barbara Crampton herself, as the host of Beyond The Gates. Overall this was a very well put together film and very thought out screenplay. Beyond The Gates felt like a mix of Witchboard, The Gate, and Fright Night. A success all around the "board."

Comments

keyboard_arrow_up