Movie Review: The Pale Door (2020)
Synopsis:
Set in the Wild West, "The Pale Door" intertwines the themes of brotherhood, betrayal, and supernatural horror. The film follows a gang of outlaws led by the ever-charismatic Dalton (played by Ward Horton) and his younger half-brother, the reluctant and introspective Jake (played by Zachary Gordon). After a failed robbery, the gang seeks refuge in a seemingly sleepy town, guided by whispered tales of a bounty hidden in a saloon run by enigmatic women.
As night falls, the danger heightens. The gang soon finds themselves lured into a sinister web of witchcraft and deceit, as the women of the saloon reveal their true nature as witches bent on vengeance. With the moon rising and their fates intertwined, the brothers must confront their recent choices and decide whether loyalty or survival is paramount. What ensues is a harrowing blend of western aesthetics and horror tropes, creating an unsettling atmosphere that tests the limits of familial bonds.
List of Actors and Their Characters:
- Ward Horton as Dalton
- Zachary Gordon as Jake
- Melanie Zanetti as Pearl
- Billy Blair as the sheriff
- Thomas Hobson as a gang member
- Chris Cimperman as a local resident
- Adrianne E. M. Moore as The Witch
- Natalie Back as Molly
Review:
"The Pale Door" presents itself as an audacious venture that melds the classic motifs of Westerns with elements of horror and the supernatural. Director Aaron B. Koontz takes viewers on a journey that is not only visually arresting but also emotionally resonant, particularly in its exploration of brotherly relationships deftly juxtaposed against a backdrop of impending doom.
From the outset, the film establishes its tone with strong cinematography that effectively captures the desolate beauty of the American frontier. The dusty streets, rustic buildings, and subdued colour palette imbue the story with an authentic Wild West feel, while the score — a haunting blend of strings and percussive elements — heightens the tension and evokes an unsettling atmosphere.
Each character is introduced with a sense of purpose, showcasing their motivations and flaws. Dalton epitomises the rugged charm often associated with outlaws, yet his character grapples with a sense of responsibility and guilt for his half-brother Jake’s tumultuous existence. Jake is portrayed as an emotionally complex character, serving to ground the narrative amid the chaos. Zachary Gordon’s performance as Jake is particularly commendable; he effectively embodies the inner turmoil of a man caught between loyalty to his brother and the instinct for self-preservation.
The introduction of the witches adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. Melanie Zanetti’s portrayal of Pearl is captivating; she oscillates between seductive and sinister, leaving the audience uncertain of her true intentions. The witches, while anachronistic within the Western genre, are crafted with a commendable depth that avoids the traps of caricature. The ensuing conflict between the witches and the outlaws becomes the crux of the film, raising questions about morality, choice, and the primal instinct to survive.
The pacing of the film is, at times, uneven. The first half draws viewers in with compelling character development and an intricate setting, yet the latter half can feel rushed, with several key moments benefiting from further exploration. The climax, while thrilling and visually impressive, feels slightly disjointed — a victim of the genre’s expectations and constraints. This leads to a resolution that, while satisfying on some surfaces, leaves lingering queries about character arcs that could have been more deeply examined.
One of the film’s standout aspects is its ability to fuse Western and horror elements organically. The oppressive oppression of the witches reflects the harsh realities of the Wild West, where survival often necessitates morally grey decisions and loyalty is as fragile as life itself. The balance between tension and release achieves a fine equilibrium throughout much of the narrative, even if the climactic scenes tip slightly towards chaos.
In terms of production values, "The Pale Door" excels. The practical effects are impressive, and the makeup artistry used to depict the witches and various horror elements bring a visceral quality to the film. The choice to use practical effects over CGI aids in grounding the supernatural elements firmly within the tangible world of the Wild West.
However, despite its notable merits, "The Pale Door" is not without flaws. The script, while serviceable, occasionally dips into clichéd dialogue, particularly in the more confrontational scenes. Some character motivations remain murky, leaving certain arcs feeling abrupt and unresolved. The inherent challenge of melding genres can lead to a disjointed experience, making it difficult for viewers fully to invest in the stakes at hand.
Despite its shortcomings, "The Pale Door" is a commendable effort in exploring uncharted territory within its genre. It endeavours to eschew the trappings of either horror or Western convention, striving instead for a unique blend that will appeal to audiences familiar with both. There is an underlying ingenuity in its approach, often evoking a sense of unpredictability that keeps viewers engaged until the final credits roll.
In conclusion, "The Pale Door" successfully marries traditional Western tropes with horror elements to produce a film that is both visually impressive and emotionally resonant. While it may falter in areas of pacing and character motivations, the performances — particularly that of Zachary Gordon and Melanie Zanetti — alongside some striking production design and atmosphere, ultimately elevate the film above its flaws.
This cinematic venture is worth a viewing for genre enthusiasts and those looking to experience a new twist on familiar themes. With that said, "The Pale Door" stands as a testament to the creative potential of melding genres, holding a mirror to both the human experience and the horrors that lurk beneath the surface of the American landscape.
Score: 7/10
