The Pale Door (Review)

Director: Aaron B. Koontz
Writers: Cameron Burns, Aaron B. Koontz, Keith Lansdale 
Cast: Melora Walters, Stan Shaw, Pat Healy, Zachary Knighton, Noah Segan, Bill Sage
Year: 2020
Min: 96

We open by meeting two brothers, Jake and Duncan, whose house gets raided by a group of armed men. They are rescued by Lester (Stan Shaw), but their parents are gunned down and killed. Years later, Duncan (Zachary Knighton) is the leader of group of wanted outlaws named the Dalton gang. Jake (Devin Druid), meanwhile, earns an honest living working at a bar. where the Daltons hang out at. When one of their members ends up at the losing end of a gun fight, they are short one man for a big train robbery. Jake volunteers to take his place. Duncan eventually, but very hesitantly, ultimately agrees to this. 

Things quickly turn weird when the chest they are to steal from a train doesn't have money or gold, but instead a beautiful, young woman named Pearl (Natasha Barrett). She is wearing a Hannibal Lector-type mask that covers half her face. The gang are to bring the contents of said chest, to get paid by for the job. But, when Duncan gets shot in the gut, they realize that he needs medical attention. Pearl tells them that if they take her to her town, not only will they be handsomely rewarded, but that they can get help for Duncan there. They eventually take her to the brothel that she calls home. There they are greeted by Maria ( Melora Walters) the head of said brothel, which is inhabited by a bunch of gorgeous and sexy women. But, they soon reveal themselves to be in actuality hideous, burnt, and murderous, hag-like witches. The witches try to kill the outlaws and have a need for Jake's pure and untainted by sin blood.

Writer Joe (Bubba Ho-Tep) R. Lansdale serves as the executive producer on this horror/ western/ action movie. Directed and co-written by Aaron B. Koontz (who earlier this year gave us the wonderfully entertaining anthology flick Scare Package), this genre-bender is really cool and a lot of fun. The movie remined me of From Dusk Till Dawn, in the way that it starts off as one genre (in this case western) and then becomes something completely different, an action/ horror movie (much like Dusk, itself).

I absolutely love the score by Alex Cuervo. It manages to really capture the varying feelings that the movie goes for. It's driving for the exhilarating action scenes, and yet becomes tragic whenever the moment calls for it. It's honestly one of my favorite scores that I have heard this year. Also excellent is the editing, which was handled by Koontz, himself, along with Greg MacLennan. One of my favorite examples of this is the fun scene which cuts between the various outlaws with the different ladies from the brothel.

Another highlight is the fact that the film has some real good gore. One scene involving a spur is particularly brutal. Aside from this the movie also has headshots, blood squibs, flesh ripping, immolation, impaling, throat slitting, and more. The practical FX by Ryan Schaddalee, which includes the aforementioned splatter FX, as well as the hideous look for the witches, are excellent.

The ladies who inhabit the brothel are absolutely gorgeous. They help to add a bit of sexiness to the proceedings, well before they turn ugly, anyway! We even get a little bit of topless nudity. All of this is a nice little welcome bit that isn't as common in the horror genre as it may have been in the past. The gorgeous Melora Walters makes for a great leader to the witches, as Maria, as her portrayal feels dangerous, evil, and seductive. I also really loved the heartbreakingly beautiful Natasha Knighton as Pearl, who is my favorite from the witches in the film.

But, then everyone is excellent in their roles. I especially loved Bill Sage, who as the badass member of the Dalton gang named Dodd, is my absolute favorite character in this flick. The relationship between the two brothers, Jake and Duncan, are the heart of the film. Both actors, Devin Druid and Zachary Knighton, respectively, are great in these rules. This is most especially true of Druid. He puts his heart and soul into the role and helps to add a great deal of emotion to what is going on. 

Another thing that is cool about the protagonists is how diverse they are. Black, Native American, gay, and female are represented amongst them, making for a nice bit of diversity in the characters. This is something you would never have seen in a true, old school western, but it is a nice idea. That is done well enough to never feel forced but natural and works within the the context of this story is to be applauded.

The Pale Door is well made, fun, and wonderfully acted. It is a great mix of western, action, and supernatural horror. Sexy, exciting, and bloody, it makes for an action packed and engaging viewing. But, what really makes it work and stand out so well is the heart that comes from the story and relationship between the two brother characters. It manages to tug at your own heart and makes you care more for them. The flick begins streaming exclusively on Shudder this December, Thursday 17th. 

3 out of 4

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Shudder: December 2020 Highlights for US, Including New Specials from "Creepshow" and "The Last Drive-In"!

DECEMBER 2020 U.S. HIGHLIGHTS 

titles also available on Shudder Canada, UK and ANZ as noted

 

NEW SHUDDER SPECIALS

 

JOE BOB SAVES CHRISTMAS — December 11 at 9pm ET

The Christmas spirit takes over The Last Drive-In as Joe Bob and Darcy close out the year with a double feature of holiday horrors. Premieres live on the ShudderTV feed Friday, December 11, and will be made available on demand on Sunday, December 13. (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

A CREEPSHOW HOLIDAY SPECIAL — December 18

In the holiday themed, hour-long episode, “Shapeshifters Anonymous,” fearing he is a murderer, an anxious man searches for answers for his "unique condition" from an unusual support group. Starring Anna Camp (Pitch Perfect) and Adam Pally (The Mindy Project), the special is written and directed by Creepshow showrunner Greg Nicotero, based on a short story by J.A. Konrath (Last Call). (Also available on Shudder Canada, Shudder UK and Shudder ANZ) 

NEW SHUDDER ORIGINAL/EXCLUSIVE MOVIES

 

ANYTHING FOR JACKSON — December 3

After losing their only grandson in a car accident, grief-stricken Audrey and Henry, a doctor, kidnap his pregnant patient with the intentions of performing a “Reverse Exorcism”, putting Jackson inside her unborn child. It doesn’t take long to figure out Jackson isn’t the only ghost the grandparents invited into their home. Now it’s a race against time for the couple, as well as the pregnant woman to figure a way out of the haunting they’ve set upon themselves.

 

Consider this wintery anti-Nativity tale Shudder’s Christmas counterprogramming, from a writer (Keith Cooper) and director (Justin G. Dyck) who together have made a bevy of traditional holiday movies. Believe me, this ain’t Baby in a Manger or Christmas with a Prince.

 

Starring Sheila McCarthy, Julian Richings, Konstantina Mantelos, Josh Cruddas and Yannick Bisson, directed by Justin G. Dyck. A SHUDDER ORIGINAL. (Also available on Shudder UK and Shudder ANZ) 

Trailer: https://youtu.be/ZVnxgZor8F0 

THE PALE DOOR — December 17

The Dalton gang find shelter in a seemingly uninhabited ghost town after a train robbery goes south. Seeking help for their wounded leader, they are surprised to stumble upon a welcoming brothel in the town’s square. But the beautiful women who greet them are actually a coven of witches with very sinister plans for the unsuspecting outlaws - and the battle between good and evil is just beginning. Starring Devin Druid, Zachary Knighton, Bill Sage, Pat Healy, Natasha Bassett, Stan Shaw, Melora Walters, directed by Aaron B. Koontz (Scare Package). A SHUDDER EXCLUSIVE. (Also available on Shudder Canada, Shudder UK and Shudder ANZ) 

Trailer: https://youtu.be/2CLqzKWDyxg  

NEW SERIES FOR DECEMBER

 

ELI ROTH’S HISTORY OF HORROR Season 2 — December 10 (all episodes)

Award-winning director, writer and producer Eli Roth brings together the masters of horror for a chilling exploration of how horror has evolved and its impact on society. Season two episodes explore “Houses of Hell,” “Monsters,” “Body Horror,” “Witches,” “Chilling Children,” and “Nine Nightmares.” Season 2 of the companion podcast, History of Horror: Uncut, currently debuting new episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms, will also be available on Shudder on December 10. Featuring Stephen King, Quentin Tarantino, Jordan Peele, Ari Aster, Bill Hader, Megan Fox, Greg Nicotero and many more. (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

NEW COLLECTIONS FOR DECEMBER

 

UNHAPPY HOLIDAYS — November 30

Home invasion by a supernatural man in a blood-red suit? Holiday getaways that turn homicidal? These Christmas films prove that yuletide is the perfect season for terror. Featuring Blood Beat, Body, Rare Exports and Sheitan (all newly coming to Shudder on November 30) along with Bob Clark’s proto-slasher Black Christmas, the Shudder Exclusives All the Creatures Were Stirring, Better Watch Out and Christmas Presence, Christmas Evil, A Christmas Horror Story, Deadly Games, Jack Frost, Red Christmas and Silent Night, Deadly Night 2, among others. (Collection also available on Shudder Canada and Shudder UK; titles vary by region)

HOLLY GIALLI CHRISTMAS — December 2

Slip on your black gloves and deck the halls with bloody murder, Italian style, as Shudder debuts its biggest-ever collection of Giallo cinema, both classic and modern, with films by Dario Argento, Lucio Fulci, Lamberto Bava, Michele Soavi, Sergio Martino and many, many more. Featuring A Blade in the Dark, Death Laid an Egg, Black Belly of the Tarantula, The Case of the Bloody Iris, The Corruption of Chris Miller, The Editor, The Fifth Cord, New York Ripper, The Night Evelyn Came Out of the Grave, The Red Queen Kills Seven Times, Short Night of Glass Dolls, Stagefright, Torso, Trauma, Your Vice is a Locked Room and What Have You Done to Solange (all newly coming to Shudder on December 2), along with current Shudder films All the Colors of the Dark, The Cat O’Nine Tales, Deep Red, Don’t Torture a Duckling, Knife + Heart, Phenomena, The Strange Vice of Mrs. Wardh and Tenebrae. (Collection also available on Shudder Canada, Shudder UK and Shudder ANZ; titles vary by region)

ALL NEW TITLES FOR DECEMBER

 

November 30 – new Unhappy Holidays collection additions 

BLOOD BEAT (Director: Fabrice A Zaphiratos)

A young woman travels to rural Wisconsin to meet her boyfriend's family and a samurai warrior's spirit possesses her body to go on a bloody killing spree. Starring Helen Benton, Terry Brown, Dana Day (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

BODY (Directors: Dan Berk, Robert Olsen)

A darkly funny and twisted journey taking place entirely on one unforgettable Christmas Eve, Body revolves around a trio of college co-eds whose dalliance with breaking-and-entering goes horribly awry. Following a freak accident, the girls find themselves entangled in a Hitchcockian nightmare steeped in tension, suspicion, double-crossing, and murder, where no one is to be trusted and a new twist lies around every corner. From the team behind last year’s Villains. Starring Helen Rogers, Alexandra Turshen, Lauren Molina, Larry Fessenden (Also available on Shudder Canada and Shudder UK)

 

RARE EXPORTS (Director: Jalmari Helander)

In this darkly comic gem, it's Christmas Eve in northern Finland, and an archeological dig has just unearthed Santa Claus. But this Santa isn't one you want coming to town. When local children begin disappearing, Pietari and his father capture the mythological being and attempt to sell Santa to the corporation sponsoring the dig. Starring Onni Tommila, Jorma Tommila, Tommi Korpela (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

SHEITAN (Director: Kim Chapiron)

On Christmas Eve, a group of guys meet two gorgeous girls who invite them to spend the weekend in the country, where they meet Joseph, a creepy unkempt man whose pregnant wife is hidden in the house. That evening, their innocent Christmas dinner turns into disturbing conversations about sex, satanic possession and incest. Joseph's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and the young friends realize all hell is about to break loose. Starring Vincent Cassel, Olivier Barthelemy, Roxane Mesquida (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

December 1

BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA (Director: Francis Ford Coppola)

From Francis Ford Coppola comes the remake of the classic and chilling tale about the devastatingly seductive Transylvanian prince who travels from Eastern Europe to 19th century London in search of human love. Starring Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins, Keanu Reeves, Tom Waits

 

THE LOST BOYS (Director: Joel Schumacher)

When a single mother and her two sons move to the sleepy seaside California town of Santa Clara, they discover much more than they anticipated in this visually stunning blend of hip humor, horror and rock 'n' roll about the most compelling group of contemporary vampires ever to put fang to vein. Starring Kiefer Sutherland, Corey Feldman, Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Dianne Wiest

 

December 2 – new Holly Gialli Christmas collection additions

A Blade in the Dark (Also available on Shudder Canada)

Black Belly of the Tarantula (Also available on Shudder Canada)

The Case of the Bloody Iris (Also available on Shudder Canada)

The Corruption of Chris Miller (Also available on Shudder Canada, Shudder UK and Shudder ANZ)

Death Laid an Egg (Also available on Shudder Canada)

The Editor

The Fifth Cord (Also available on Shudder Canada)

New York Ripper (Also available on Shudder Canada)

The Night Evelyn Came Out of the Grave (Also available on Shudder Canada and Shudder UK)

The Red Queen Kills Seven Times (Also available on Shudder Canada)

Short Night of Glass Dolls (Also available on Shudder Canada)

Stagefright (Also available on Shudder Canada)

Torso (Also available on Shudder Canada)

Trauma (Also available on Shudder Canada, Shudder UK and Shudder ANZ)

Your Vice is a Locked Room (Also available on Shudder Canada)

What Have You Done to Solange (Also available on Shudder Canada and Shudder UK)

 

December 3

ANYTHING FOR JACKSON (see above for details)

 

CASTLE FREAK (Director: Tate Steinsiek)

After inheriting a castle from her long-lost-mother, a recently blinded girl learns that her family harbored dark secrets with deadly implications. Starring Clair Catherine, Jake Horowitz, Chris Galust, Emily Sweet (Also available on Shudder Canada) 

Note: Castle Freak and VFW were acquired prior to May 2020. Shudder is no longer working with the producer, Cinestate, on any further titles.

 

December 7

LET THE CORPSES TAN (Directors: Helene Cattet, Bruno Forzani)

A hypnotically stylish, fever dream thriller from the team behind Amer and The Strange Color of Your Body’s Tears. During a beautiful Mediterranean summer, Rhino and his gang steal a cache of gold. They believe they've found the perfect hideout until surprise guests and two cops compromise their plan. Starring Elina Lowensohn, Stephane Ferrara, Bernie Bonvoisin, Hervé Sogne (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

VFW (Director: Joe Begos)

A typical night for a group of war veterans at the local VFW turns into an all-out battle for survival when a teenage girl runs into the bar with a bag of stolen drugs. AStarring Stephen Lang, William Sadler, Martin Kove, David Patrick Kelly, Sierra McCormick, Tom Williamson, Travis Hammer, Dora Madison, George Wendt, Fred Williamson (Also available on Shudder Canada)

Note: Castle Freak and VFW were acquired prior to May 2020. Shudder is no longer working with the producer, Cinestate, on any further titles.

 

ZOMBI CHILD (Director: Bertrand Bonello)

Acclaimed French filmmaker Bertrand Bonello brings the zombie film back to its Haitian roots. In 1962, a man is brought back from the dead to work on a sugar cane plantation; many years later, a teen tells her friends her family secret, not suspecting that it will push one of them to commit the irreparable. Starring Louise Labeque, Wislanda Louimat, Katiana Milfort (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

December 10

ELI ROTH’S HISTORY OF HORROR Season 2 (see above for details)

 

December 11 at 9pm ET/6pm PT

JOE BOB SAVES CHRISTMAS (see above for details)

 

December 14

A GOOD WOMAN IS HARD TO FIND (Director: Abner Pastoll)

A recently widowed young mother will go to great lengths to protect her children as she seeks the truth behind her husband's murder. Starring Sarah Bolger, Edward Hogg, Andrew Simpson (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

LET US PREY (Director: Brian O'Malley)

A man brought to a police station possesses everyone's darkest secrets. As the cops try to figure out who or what he is, they soon realize deadly retribution awaits anyone who stands in his way. This violent chiller is definitely not for the easily disturbed. Starring Liam Cunningham, Pollyanna McIntosh, Bryan Larkin (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

December 17

THE PALE DOOR (see above for details)

 

December 18

A CREEPSHOW HOLIDAY SPECIAL (see above for details)

 

December 21

LUZ: THE FLOWER OF EVIL (Director: Juan Diego Escobar Alzate)

El Señor, the leader of a small cult in the mountains, returns one day to his village with a child who is purported to be the new messiah. But when only pain and destruction befall the community, El Señor finds himself under attack from his own followers, including his three daughters, whose burgeoning femininity has already caused them to question their faith. Equally mystical and terrifying, LUZ: THE FLOWER OF EVIL is a fantasy folk horror film where tranquility belies a simmering evil. Starring Yuri Vargas, Conrado  Osorio, Andrea Esquivel, Sharon Guzman, Jim Munoz (Also available on Shudder Canada, Shudder UK and Shudder ANZ)

 

THE SOUL COLLECTOR (Director: Harold Holscher)

In an attempt to start a new life with his young, fragmented family, bankrupt William Ziel returns to the farm he inherited from his estranged father. Lazarus, the farmhand who took care of William's father in his lonely final hours, reappears soon after William, Sarah, and adopted daughter Mary arrive. A supposed chance meeting between Mary and Lazarus develops into a bond between two kindred spirits. But Lazarus carries a dark secret: a demon child with an insatiable appetite for human souls ... and now the Ziels’ newfound domesticity is placed at unfathomable risk. Starring Tshamano Sebe, Inge Beckmann, Keita Luna (Also available on Shudder Canada)

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