Beyond the Gates, a 2016 horror film directed by Jackson Stewart, pays loving homage to the era of VHS horror, particularly the interactive board game-driven narratives that were popular in the 1980s. The film isn’t necessarily groundbreaking in its scares, but its charm lies in its nostalgic aesthetic, its genuine affection for its source material, and its surprisingly heartfelt story of familial reconciliation.
The plot centers around two estranged brothers, John and Gordon Hardesty. After their father mysteriously disappears, they return to his closed-down video rental store to settle his affairs. While cleaning out the dusty shelves and stacks of tapes, they discover an old VCR board game called “Beyond the Gates.” Intrigued, and possibly subconsciously hoping for a clue to their father’s whereabouts, they decide to play.
The game, hosted on a vintage VHS tape by a gaunt, charismatic woman named Evelyn, serves as a portal to another dimension. Evelyn, played with unsettling enthusiasm by Barbara Crampton (a genre icon known for her roles in films like Re-Animator and From Beyond), acts as a guide, dictating the rules and revealing clues related to their father’s disappearance. As the brothers progress through the game, they quickly realize that the stakes are much higher than they initially anticipated. Each dice roll and card drawn leads them deeper into a terrifying reality where their actions in the game directly affect the real world, threatening not only their lives but also the lives of those around them.
Beyond the overt horror elements, the film explores the complex relationship between John and Gordon. Their father’s absence, both physically and emotionally during their childhood, created a rift that has never truly healed. As they navigate the dangers of the game, they are forced to confront their past resentments and learn to rely on each other. John, the more responsible and pragmatic brother, initially dismisses the supernatural aspects of the game, while Gordon, more open to the fantastical, embraces the possibilities. This dynamic creates a compelling tension that drives the narrative forward.
The film’s visual style is deliberately reminiscent of classic 80s horror. Grainy visuals, practical effects, and a synth-heavy score contribute to the overall atmosphere of retro terror. While the gore is present, it’s often stylized and used to enhance the sense of dread rather than simply shock the audience. The limited budget is cleverly utilized to create a convincing and unsettling otherworld, filled with grotesque creatures and nightmarish landscapes.
Ultimately, Beyond the Gates is more than just a horror film. It’s a love letter to a bygone era of genre filmmaking, a story of brotherly love and redemption, and a reminder that sometimes, the most terrifying monsters are the ones we create ourselves. It’s a fun, nostalgic trip that will appeal to fans of classic horror and those who appreciate a good, old-fashioned scare.