Gates of Darkness (2019) movie poster

Gates of Darkness

2019 ·1h 31m · ★ 5.8 (33)

A teen endures a terrifying exorcism in the hopes of unlocking shocking secrets about the church and his family.

Why it matters

A grim dive into exorcism horror that leans on family secrets rather than visceral terror.

  • More atmosphere over action: The film favors heavy-handed symbolism and slow reveals instead of dynamic possession set pieces.
  • Adrienne Barbeau’s presence adds genre gravitas, though her character’s arc feels narratively undercooked and awkwardly staged.
  • For fans of faith-based horror that prioritize mystery and cryptic church conspiracies over traditional scares.
  • Struggles with pacing and emotional stakes make it a tough sell beyond completionists or those curious about low-budget exorcism tales.
4 horror films in catalog

Horror DNA

Gore
28
Slow Burn
33
Psychological
14
Supernatural
80
Creature
0
Disturbing
50
Fun Factor
33
Cerebral
0
Survival
17

Content Warnings

Child in DangerBody HorrorDehumanizationTorture

Phobia triggers

Religious Imagery

TMDB Keywords

exorcism

Pairs Well With