The Gates is a 2022 Irish period horror thriller film directed by Stephen Hall. Written by Hall and Tim Reynolds, it stars John Rhys-Davies, Richard Brake, Elena Delia, Michael Yare and David Pearse.
Contents
Cast
John Rhys-Davies as Frederick Ladbroke
Richard Brake as William Colcott
Elena Delia as Emma Wickes
Michael Yare as Lucian Abberton
David Pearse as Father Matthews
Peter Coonan as George Sheppard
Brian Fortune as Governor Owen Forsyth
Tristan Heanue as Jonathan Chapman
Matthew O'Brien as Phillip
Claire Loy as Marie Sheppard
Garrett Smith as Jonathan Waldren
Sarah Noll as Selina Colcott
Graeme Coughlan as Crimms
Zeb Moore as Patrick
Tom Neville as Mr. Leyton
Lydia Little as Mrs. Leyton
Christine Mulhern as Agnes
Nigel Mercier as First Official
Release
The film premiered at Cork International Film Festival on 18 November 2022. It was released to digital and VOD on 27 June 2023.
Reception
Roger Crow of On: Yorkshire Magazine gave the film a score of 7.3/10, calling it an "earnest but engaging period offerings that successfully captivates audiences with its intriguing storyline and fine performances, particularly from Rhys-Davies." Film Ireland wrote: "While the plot may lack some of the finer details to help set it apart, the atmospheric film with some strong performances is well worth a watch. It may not send chills down the spine of the most avid horror fan, it will certainly offer up a few scares." Phil Hoad of The Guardian was more critical, giving the film 2 out of 5 stars. He wrote that while it was "strong on staging and atmosphere", it "finally collapses into incoherent scurrying around the jail".