The Gate
The Gate

The Gate

1987Movie86 minEnglish

Three young children accidentally release a horde of nasty, pint-sized demons from a hole in a suburban backyard. What follows is a classic battle between good and evil as the three kids struggle to overcome a nightmarish hell that is literally taking over the Earth.

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Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Google Users81%
Director: Tibble CameronGenres: Horror, Fantasy, Comedy

Plot Summary

Two young boys accidentally open a gateway to hell in their backyard, unleashing a horde of small, mischievous demons. As the creatures multiply and grow in power, the boys, with the help of their older sister, must find a way to close the portal before their suburban nightmare consumes their town. The film blends scares with a youthful sense of adventure and dark humor.

Critical Reception

The Gate was met with generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its inventive practical effects, dark atmosphere, and surprisingly effective scares, especially considering its low budget. Audience reception was also favorable, with many appreciating its unique take on the demonic horror genre and its memorable creature designs. It has since gained a cult following.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its creative practical effects and genuinely unsettling atmosphere.
  • Appreciated for its blend of horror, fantasy, and dark comedy.
  • Often cited as a standout for its memorable, creepy creature designs.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciate the film's unique premise and its ability to be both frightening and entertaining. Many highlight the impressive special effects for its time and the film's enduring cult status. Some note that its campiness adds to its charm.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

The small demons in the film were brought to life using a combination of stop-motion animation, puppetry, and practical effects, giving them a unique and often disturbing texture.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
Dan_Tebasco

Dan_Tebasco

Not too shabby. Stephen Dorff is one of my favorites (in a long list of favorites mind you but one of my favorites none the less) so it was interesting to see him as a child in this one. He's pretty good no Elijah Wood in his age or ...