The Open Door and Crossing Over into Unrated Territory: A Movie Review

*full disclosure: a DVD screener of this film was provided by Phase 4 Films.

Director/writer: Doc Duhame.

The Open Door is Doc Duhame's first film as a writer and director. Duhame has a background in stunts and some of his experience in physical acting comes through in the characters actions and in the stunt performances. This title is an independent production to be released by Phase 4 Films on DVD November 15th, but this is not a low production film. Instead, this is a tightly wound thriller that plays with the horror audience's expectations, while hiding the film's true intentions and story.

The face of evil is forever off screen in The Open Door which heightens the film's mystique. More of a voice of evil, a pirate radio station broadcasts to the San Fernando Valley. This silky smooth voice promises to fulfill dreams while empowering listeners to do what is best for themselves. A naive high-schooler listens in as she counts down the hours to the end of her curfew. Then, she calls in to 99.9 fm (that is 666 upside down) to complain of a group of bullies, not being able to go to the party and not being able to be with Brad: "I wish Brad and I could be together forever and that my name would be spoken with his dying breath." Ah, but be careful what you wish for Angelica (Catherine Munden) because what you want will come true in violent fashion.

Duhame does not sit on the fence with this one. Instead, this filmmaker takes some serious chances to create a truly horrifying film. The DVD reviewed here was an "Unrated" version and this film has previously been rated restricted. So, there is a lot of bloodshed housed within and adult situations pop up e.g. manipulation, double crossing friends. As well, the evil is unseen as it moves from body to body and the special effects enhances the spirits foreboding presence with an orange filter showing the distorted view of the killer or it shows its presence with a puff of smoke. The finale is what truly pushes the film into horrifying territory with no way back for nine bloodied characters.

The body count is high and so is the unpredictability. This film could have gone for the happy ending, but this would have been false. Duhame keeps the chills going by offering tragedy after tragedy. For example, Spike (Daniel Booko) just wants to play a prank or two on Angelica and instead he loses his life by fire. And this scene along with others are reminiscent of another film of possession from 2009 called Freakdog. Here a character is also teased by a group of bullies. As well, both films offer a lot of gruesome deaths and both involve a crafty spirit whose next move is not always obvious. And The Open Door's strength lies in not knowing where the film will turn next.

Only a couple minor film elements hampers this film's complete success. Some musical choices seemed a little off, but only occasionally. Some of the sounds just sounded too poppy and light when compared to what was happening on screen. As well, this is one of those films that stays in one set for the majority of the film. There are outside shots and other settings, yet this film confines itself primarily to a cramped house. And boy does that house ever get demolished.

These minor drawbacks aside, The Open Door is a thrilling experience and this reviewer would say that this film is one of the best indie horror features to come out in 2011 so far. Duhame uses his experience in filmmaking to great affect here and horror fans are encouraged to seek this one out when it finally releases on DVD. To sum up, this is one of those indie films that keeps you believing that film can be unique, exciting and full of twists, while keeping you interested and glued to the screen the entire time.

Overall: 7.5 out of 10 (music is often good with some faltering, acting is decent, the protagonist is believable, this is true horror, gruesome and thrilling).

The film's homepage is here:

The Open Door Official Website

The Open Door at Phase 4 Films:

The Open Door Release Details at Phase 4 Films

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Posted in: 2011,2011 release,dvd artwork,horror,phase 4 films,possessed,possession