“The Gate” (1987)

Horror

Running Time: 85 minutes

Written by: Michael Nankin

Directed by: Tibor Takács

Featuring: Stephen Dorff, Louis Tripp and Christa Denton

Terrence ‘Terry’ Chandler: “We accidently summoned demons who used to rule the universe to come and take over the world.”

Critical Commentary

“The Gate” is a classic horror film that has stood the test of time since its release in 1987. Directed by Tibor Takács and starring Stephen Dorff and Christa Denton, this movie has earned its place as a beloved cult classic in the horror genre.

The story follows two young siblings, Glen and Al, who discover a mysterious hole in their backyard after a tree is uprooted during a thunderstorm. As they investigate further, they unwittingly unleash ancient demonic forces that threaten to consume their suburban neighborhood. What ensues is a thrilling and chilling journey into the depths of the supernatural, as the siblings must confront their fears and battle against the malevolent entities that have been unleashed.

One of the most striking aspects of “The Gate” is its effective blend of horror and fantasy elements. The film creates a sense of otherworldly terror through its imaginative use of practical effects and creature designs. From the diminutive demons that emerge from the hole in the backyard to the towering monstrosities that lurk in the shadows, every aspect of the film’s visual design contributes to its atmosphere of dread and unease.

In addition to its impressive visuals, “The Gate” also boasts strong performances from its cast, particularly from its young leads. Stephen Dorff delivers a compelling performance as Glen, capturing the vulnerability and determination of a young boy thrust into a nightmarish situation. Likewise, Christa Denton shines as Al, bringing depth and emotional resonance to her portrayal of a protective older sister.

But perhaps the most memorable aspect of “The Gate” is its exploration of childhood fears and anxieties. At its core, the film is a coming-of-age story, as Glen and Al must confront the monsters both real and imagined that lurk in the shadows of their own minds. Through its supernatural premise, the film taps into universal themes of growing up, facing fears, and ultimately finding the courage to stand up to the darkness.

Of course, no discussion of “The Gate” would be complete without mentioning its iconic special effects. Despite being made over three decades ago, the film’s practical effects still hold up remarkably well today. From the intricate creature designs to the visceral gore effects, every aspect of the film’s visual effects work together to create a sense of visceral terror that lingers long after the credits roll.

“The Gate” is not just a showcase of scares but also a testament to the power of friendship and resilience. Throughout the film, Glen and Al are joined by their friend Terry, played by Louis Tripp, who provides comic relief and moral support in equal measure. Their bond strengthens as they face increasingly terrifying challenges together, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in the face of adversity.

The film’s setting, a typical suburban neighbourhood, adds another layer of relatability to the story. By grounding the supernatural events in a familiar environment, “The Gate” effectively blurs the line between the ordinary and the extraordinary, making the horror feel all the more palpable. This juxtaposition serves to heighten the sense of dread, as the audience is reminded that even the most mundane surroundings can conceal dark secrets.

In addition to its thematic depth, “The Gate” also excels in its pacing and tension-building. The film wastes no time in establishing an atmosphere of foreboding, drawing viewers in from the opening scenes and holding their attention until the final credits roll. Each new revelation and scare is expertly timed for maximum impact, ensuring that the audience is kept on the edge of their seats throughout.

Finally, it’s worth noting the enduring legacy of “The Gate” within the horror genre. Over the years, the film has inspired countless homages, tributes, and even a sequel, cementing its status as a beloved cult classic. Its influence can be seen in everything from other horror films to video games and literature, demonstrating the lasting impact of its innovative storytelling and memorable characters.

If you dare to venture deeper into the darkness of “The Gate,” you’ll find an exploration of ancient mysticism and occultism that adds layers of intrigue to the narrative. The film delves into the idea of forbidden knowledge and the consequences of meddling with forces beyond human comprehension. As Glen and Al uncover the secrets of the gate in their backyard, they are forced to grapple with the realization that some mysteries are best left undisturbed.

Moreover, “The Gate” offers a thought-provoking examination of the nature of evil and the power of redemption. The demonic forces unleashed by the siblings are not merely mindless monsters but entities with their own motivations and desires. As the film progresses, we come to understand that even the most malevolent beings may harbor traces of humanity, begging the question of whether redemption is possible even for the darkest of souls.

Another aspect of the film that deserves praise is its evocative soundtrack, composed by Michael Hoenig. The eerie synthesizer score enhances the film’s atmosphere of dread and uncertainty, heightening the tension during key moments and immersing the audience in the world of the story. From haunting melodies to pulse-pounding rhythms, the music of “The Gate” serves as the perfect accompaniment to its spine-tingling visuals.

In terms of its cultural impact, “The Gate” has left an indelible mark on the horror genre, inspiring a generation of filmmakers and storytellers. Its innovative blend of practical effects, supernatural elements, and coming-of-age themes has influenced countless films that followed, shaping the landscape of horror cinema for years to come. Whether directly or indirectly, the influence of “The Gate” can be felt in everything from creature features to psychological thrillers, solidifying its status as a true classic of the genre.

“The Gate” is a timeless horror classic that continues to captivate audiences with its imaginative storytelling, strong performances, and impressive visual effects. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or simply looking for a thrilling and chilling cinematic experience, this film is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat. Just remember, sometimes the greatest horrors lie just beyond the threshold of our own imagination.

Technical Commentary

Video

“The Gate” is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1. This is a somewhat variable looking transfer, one that has generally decent colour saturation and good detail levels in some of the brightly lit outdoor sequences. However, the vast bulk of this film takes place inside various environments, and often at night or in the dark, and detail levels are understandably suppressed pretty regularly in these sequences. 

Audio

There’s some surprising low end on “The Gate’s” DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, one that finds regular rumbly force in some of the score by Michael Hoenig and J. Peter Robinson. The cataclysmic finale gets a little busy sounding at times, but generally speaking dialogue is presented cleanly and clearly and is well prioritized.

Special Features

• Audio Commentary by director Tibor Takacs, writer Michael Nankin, and special effects designer & supervisor Randall William Cook
• Audio Commentary by special effects designer & supervisor Randall William Cook, special make-up effects artist Craig Reardon, special effects artist Frank Carere, and matte photographer Bill Taylor
• Isolated Score Selections and Audio Interview with composers Michael Hoenig and J. Peter Robinson
• The Gate: Unlocked – A Conversation between director Tibor Takacs and special effects designer & supervisor Randall William Cook
• Minion Maker – An Interview with special make-up effects artist Craig Reardon
• From Hell It Came – An Interview with co-producer Andras Hamori
• The Workman Speaks! – An Interview with actor Carl Kraines
• Made In Canada – A series of interviews with many of the local Toronto-based cast & crew
• From Hell: The Creatures & Demons of The Gate with Randall William Cook and Craig Reardon
• The Gatekeepers with Tibor Takacs and Michael Nankin
• Making of The Gate – vintage featurette