Devil's Gate

When a horror film sucks you in with an eye-opening first sequence, hopefully, it can sustain such promise for the rest of its running time. Sadly, that's not the case with "Devil's Gate", a new Scream Factory Blu-ray release in conjunction with IFC Films. It's not that this mostly intriguing feature film falls apart mid-way through. Rather, "Devil's Gate" relies on every trope in the sci-fi/horror genre book.

The play-on-words title refers to the town of Devil's Gate, North Dakota, and it's usually a sedate, low-key place. But after FBI agent Daria (Amanda Schull) gets sent to investigate the disappearance of a mother and son, the once-quiet town becomes embroiled in turmoil.

Jackson (Milo Ventimiglia, "Heroes" and "This Is Us") becomes the number one suspect in town, he being the husband and father of the missing people. His farmhouse has suddenly come under siege by what he coins a "demon monster" in his basement. Is the religious fanatic Jackson telling the truth?

Daria enlists the aid of local deputy Colt (Shawn Ashmore, "X-Men") and the new partners discover a science fiction secret that would make agents Scully and Mulder from "The X-Files" proud. In fact, "Devil's Gate" plays out like a throwaway episode of that classic sci-fi show.

Ventimiglia's performance as the bug-eyed and manic Jackson should be commended, but his inconsistent North Dakota accent could use some work. The screenplay also could've used more action and less exposition; yet, the film's final scene is chilling even if it's a trifle predictable.

In short, it's a decent way of spending 90 minutes to view "Devil's Gate." And if a purchase of the Blu-ray should be added to your collection, the only special feature you'll get is the film's trailer.

"Devil's Gate"
Blu-ray review
$24.99
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