LogFAQs > #945379792

DAY 2: Devil's Gate
On Netflix

Ahahahaha what a bunch of idiots you are. I tricked you all into following my Shawn Ashmore filmography viewing topic. Kidding, I didn't realize he was in both of the movies so far!

So I was pleasantly surprised with this movie. The beginning of it is... well, it is strange. I don't feel it matches the rest of the movie at all. It was a strange choice and did not prepare me for anything ahead.

And let me tell you, I don't think I'd be prepared for anything ahead regardless. Because this movie is a trip. The premise is that an FBI agent and local deputy in middle of nowhere America investigate the disappearance of local man's wife and son. When they go to investigate, they realize there's something caged in the basement. From here, this movie appears to be going down the path of a religious man believing in his faith and a desire to do what's necessary to bring back his wife and son.

I won't comment on the plot anymore, but it takes a turn and when it does, it's extremely interesting how the rest of the movie unfolds. I didn't expect it at all and was pleasantly surprised with how it went and I was legitimately shocked at parts.

The directing is the best part of this movie though. A nobody named Clay Staub managed to film this with such competency that you wouldn't expect from a guy with this budget. Even more impressive are the visuals. It's a legitimate spectacle at points for a video on demand film. This guy was given a shot and he blasted it out of the park. I'd love to see what he directs next.

All of the positives out of the way, as I mentioned, the beginning of this movie is so detached and I feel like it wastes just a little bit too much time getting there. When the movie has all of the pieces on the table, it does bungle them a little bit. It's hardly a flawless screenplay. It's a bit exposition-heavy and the dialogue is a bit of a struggle at times. The denouement, in particular, feels a little pedestrian as well without the sort of impact of the rest of the film.

Despite that, I thoroughly enjoyed my watch of this. If you'd like to see creative directing and effects with a concept that feels familiar, I recommend checking it out though. For me, something new with the horror genre will usually get my praise, even if there are imperfect aspects.

Rating: 7/10

Check back in with Day 3 where I'll be watching the original X-Men movie. Kidding.

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