"The Gates" is a chilling supernatural horror film that takes place in Victorian London, revolving around a serial killer, William Colcott (Richard Brake), who meets a gruesome fate in the electric chair. However, death is not the end for Colcott, and his malevolent spirit continues to haunt Bishopsgate prison, leading to a terrifying chain of events.
Synopsis
The film opens with a gripping pre-credit sequence, showcasing Richard Brake's mesmerizing performance as the diabolical serial killer, William Colcott. After Colcott's execution in the electric chair, his sinister intentions and black arts expertise come to light, setting the stage for a spine-chilling tale of the supernatural.
The story then shifts to Frederick Ladbroke (John Rhys-Davies) and his niece Emma Wickes (Elena Delia), postmortem photographers who unwittingly become entangled in the malevolent force unleashed by Colcott. As they investigate paranormal occurrences, they encounter investigator Lucian Abberton (Michael Yare), and together, they find themselves back at Bishopsgate prison.
As Colcott's malevolence spreads, prisoners start behaving as if possessed, leading to a nightmarish scenario. The investigators must pool their resources and confront the evil spirit, using technology and religious forces to put an end to Colcott's reign of terror.
Ambiguous Tone and Themes
"The Gates" boasts moments of excellence, thanks to co-writer/director Stephen Hall's ability to create a convincingly oppressive Victorian atmosphere. The film also delivers genuinely scary scenes, utilizing shadows and silhouettes to great effect. However, the movie's tone and thematic focus fluctuate, making it difficult to determine whether it aims to be a graphic horror movie with gore and jump scares or a deeper exploration of religion versus technology and the nature of evil.
Strong Performances and Mixed Casting
Richard Brake's portrayal of the serial killer William Colcott is outstanding, but his screen time is limited, leaving audiences wanting more of his demonic presence. John Rhys-Davies adds charm and charisma to the role of Frederick Ladbroke, while Elena Delia brings a sense of innocence to her character, Emma Wickes. Unfortunately, the supporting cast lacks the same spark, resulting in a somewhat underwhelming ensemble.
Uneven Execution and Lengthy Narrative
"The Gates" struggles with a few anachronisms and vague occult details, which hinder the film's overall impact. The ending may leave some viewers unsatisfied, as it falls short of the expected crescendo. With a runtime of 101 minutes, the film occasionally feels overextended, impacting the pacing and tension.
Conclusion
"The Gates" presents a compelling premise with chilling moments and commendable performances by Richard Brake and John Rhys-Davies. However, the film's uneven execution and shifting focus between horror elements and deeper themes may leave some viewers wanting more. Despite its shortcomings, "The Gates" offers a watchable horror experience, especially for those intrigued by supernatural stories set in Victorian London.
The Gates (2023) - info
- Release date: 10 February 2023
- Genre: Horror, Thriller
- Director: Stephen Hall
- Writers: Stephen Hall, Tim Reynolds
- Stars: John Rhys-Davies, Richard Brake, Michael Yare