The Open Door DVD Review

Release Date (UK DVD) – 14th February 2011

Certificate (UK) – TBC
Country – USA
Director – Doc Duhame
Runtime – 94 mins
Starring – Catherine Georges, Mike Dunay, Sarah Christine Smith, Daniel Booko, Ryan Doom

Teen horror flick The Open Door tells the story of Angelica (Catherine Georges), a coy high school beauty with overprotective parents. When they grow anxious about the company their daughter is keeping Angelica is grounded, and as a consequence is unable to attend the biggest high school party of the year. Home alone and awash with adolescent hormones she tunes into a pirate radio station and makes an emotional plea to its host The Oracle begging to be freed from the overbearing grip of her parents and to be left alone in order to profess her love for Brad (Mike Dunay).

At this point the plot rapidly spirals into a twisted tale of traditional scare tactics, possession and murder reminiscent of a feature length episode of Goosebumps for grown ups. It failed to shock or terrify, but like Goosebumps takes an audience on a darkly dramatic journey entertainingly fuelled by urban legend and teen angst. Despite being a low budget production and lacking particularly charismatic or qualified actors, The Open Door manages to entertain throughout and offers some imaginative, original and genuinely creepy qualities. A deserving award winner then, scoring Winner of the Audience Choice Award at the LA Shriekfest and Best Feature Film at Horror UK.

It’s unfortunate that The Open Door’s production is likely to hinder its popularity, but this directional debut should secure Doc Duhame a promising reputation. By no means groundbreaking but The Open Door offers enjoyably uncomplicated entertainment.