The Gate Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A couple of kids dig a hole in their backyard, accidentally summoning tiny demons because one of them is really into heavy metal, and the only way to stop them is with a rocket; I blame the parents.

🍿 The Gate: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Discovery

Glen has a nightmare that ends with the treehouse in his backyard being struck by lightning. The next day, construction workers remove the tree, revealing a mysterious hole and a geode. Glen and his friend Terry investigate the hole and discover strange writings associated with it.

The Party and the Unveiling

Glen’s sister, Al, throws a party while their parents are away. During the party, strange events occur, hinting at the supernatural forces unleashed by the hole. Glen and Terry, researching the writings from the geode, discover it is related to demons and an ancient evil.

Demonic Incursion

Demonic creatures begin to terrorize Glen, Terry, and Al. They attempt to use both religious texts and knowledge from a heavy metal album to stop the demons, but their efforts are largely ineffective. The situation escalates as the demons become more aggressive.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Glen (Stephen Dorff): A young boy who accidentally unleashes demons from a hole in his backyard and must find a way to stop them.
• Terry (Louis Tripp): Glen’s heavy metal-loving best friend who provides the knowledge needed to understand and combat the demonic forces.
• Al (Christa Denton): Glen’s older sister left in charge, who must protect her brother and herself from the supernatural threats.
• Demons (N/A): The horde of malevolent, pint-sized creatures unleashed from the gate, terrorizing the children.
• The Old Gods/Giant Demon (N/A): The ultimate demonic entity that emerges from the gate, representing the main antagonist that Glen must defeat to restore order.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Terrence ‘Terry’ Chandler: “May the old devils depart! May they burn in the fires of their own damnation!” – Terry recites this incantation from ‘The Dark Book’ in an attempt to banish the demons.
• Glen: “Isn’t that kind of insulting?” – Glen questions the effectiveness of the incantation’s aggressive tone.
• Terrence ‘Terry’ Chandler: “I guess it’s supposed to be. I mean, we’re trying to get rid of them.” – Terry justifies the insulting nature of the spell to get rid of the demons.

💰Box Office

• Budget: CA$2,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $13,539,458
• Worldwide Gross: $13,539,458

💥 The Gate Reviews

Personal Review

I watched ‘The Gate’ as a kid and it totally freaked me out! The little demons were so creepy, and I remember being terrified of any strange noises in my backyard. Watching it now, it’s definitely cheesy, but it still has that nostalgic charm. The scene where the dad’s face melts? Still gets me a little. Definitely a fun trip down memory lane!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 1980s horror movies”
  • “Viewers who appreciate practical effects and stop-motion animation”
  • “Those looking for a horror film with a touch of fantasy”
  • “Fans of Stephen Dorff’s early work”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Demonic imagery and supernatural horror”
  • “Mild peril and frightening situations for children”
  • “Some scenes may be intense for very young or sensitive viewers”
  • “Suggestive themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While ‘The Gate’ might not terrify seasoned horror aficionados, it delivers a suspenseful ride for younger viewers. The practical effects are impressive for the time, and the story, while simplistic, maintains a level of intrigue that keeps you invested in the children’s survival. It’s a decent showcase of 80s horror charm.
• The New York Times: “The Gate is a quaint, if somewhat silly, horror film from the 80s. What it lacks in genuine scares, it makes up for in inventive practical effects and a playful approach to its demonic subject matter. This movie is a nostalgia trip worth taking if you’re in the mood for lighthearted, spooky fun.

Audience Reactions

The practical effects, especially the little demons, are still impressive and creepy.: Viewers appreciate the film’s practical effects, especially the tiny demons, and the sense of childhood adventure combined with horror.

Overall Consensus: A nostalgic and fun 80s horror film with memorable practical effects and a lighthearted approach to its demonic subject matter.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film’s creature effects were primarily achieved through practical methods, including stop-motion animation and suit acting, which were considered cutting-edge for the time.”
• “The filmmakers used forced perspective to make the miniature demons appear larger than they actually were, creating a sense of menace and scale.”
• “The heavy metal band ‘Sacrifyx,’ featured in the film’s soundtrack and plot, was fictional, but it served as a commentary on the perceived influence of metal music on youth culture during the 1980s.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Gate?

As of October 2024, ‘The Gate’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability in your region. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also readily available for purchase through online retailers like Amazon and at most major retailers such as Walmart or Target.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Gate, you might like these similar films:

• Poltergeist (1982): Both films feature suburban homes invaded by supernatural forces and focus on a family’s struggle to protect themselves.
• Gremlins (1984): Both films blend horror and comedy, featuring mischievous creatures wreaking havoc on a small town.
• The Monster Squad (1987): A group of kids bands together to fight classic movie monsters, combining horror with adventure and humor.
• Super 8 (2011): A group of young friends in the late 1970s discovers a mysterious and dangerous creature in their town, capturing a similar sense of wonder and peril.

🛒 The Gate Related Products

• The Gate (Collector’s Edition) Blu-ray: A limited edition Blu-ray featuring restored footage, behind-the-scenes content, and interviews with the cast and crew. Perfect for fans wanting to experience the movie in the best possible quality.
• The Gate Movie Poster (Retro Style): A high-quality print of the original theatrical poster in a retro style. Captures the essence of 80s horror and adds a vintage touch to any movie room or collection.
• Demonic Minions Action Figures (Set of 3): A set of three highly detailed action figures of the iconic demonic minions from the movie. Each figure is posable and comes with accessories. A must-have for horror collectors and fans of ‘The Gate’.
• 80s Horror Movie Soundtrack Collection (Digital Download): A digital album featuring soundtracks from classic 80s horror films, including ‘The Gate’. Relive the chilling atmosphere and iconic musical scores from your favorite movies.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Gate features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “No Pleasure” – performed by Eva Everything

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Occult: Video 115: The Occult Symbolism of Polanski’s Ninth Gate

Ever wondered what all those weird symbols in ‘The Ninth Gate’ meant? This video breaks down the occult symbolism used by Polanski. I never realized how much detail I missed, it’s definitely worth a watch if you want to understand the movie better!

✨ Rate