Stars: Sarah Wayne Callies, Jeremy Sisto, Sofia Rosinsky
Storyline
A family lives an idyllic existence abroad until a tragic accident takes the life of their young son. The inconsolable mother learns of an ancient ritual that will bring him back to say a final goodbye. She travels to an ancient temple, where a door serves as a mysterious portal between two worlds. But when she disobeys a sacred warning to never open that door, she upsets the balance between life and death.
Writers: Johannes Roberts, Ernest Riera, Sarah Wayne Callies, Jeremy Sisto, Sofia Rosinsky, Sarah Wayne Callies, Jeremy Sisto, Sofia Rosinsky, Javier Botet, Logan Creran, Jax Malcolm, Suchitra Pillai, , , , , , , , , , ,
Cast: Sarah Wayne Callies -
Maria
Jeremy Sisto -
Michael
Sofia Rosinsky -
Lucy
Javier Botet -
Myrtu
Logan Creran -
Oliver
Jax Malcolm -
Oliver (VoiceOver)
(voice)
Suchitra Pillai -
Piki
(as Suchitra Pillai-Malik)
Taglines:
It was never meant to be opened.
Country: India, UK
Language: English
Release Date: 3 Jan 2016
Technical Specs
Runtime:
User Review
Author:
Rating: 7/10
It's always a risk when Hollywood takes the premise of horror from
other countries, because there's lingering intrinsic value that might
not be conveyed properly. Luckily, a good atmospheric nuance, respect
for the culture and outstanding acting performances, even from the
child actress, ensure that "The Other Side of the Door" releases a
harrowing experience for audience from any side of the globe.
Maria (Sarah Wayne Callies) and Michael (Jeremy Sisto) are a western
couple living in India. Everything seems fine, but unfortunately she is
struck by a tragic accident. Trapped in unstable state and in an
attempt to remedy this, she performs a dark ritual. It's a very
compelling set-up, because the local ambiance of India is preserved
appropriately, and fine acting from the entire family produces a
compelling story.
Sarah Wayne Callies does a wonderful job as the desperate mother, she's
utterly believable and sympathetic to audience. The strong performance
goes a long way to build up dread, in fact a lot of the terrifying
scenes work because she, in a sense, sells them so well. Jeremy Sisto
is also a decent addition as the concerned husband and father.
Typically, the accusation of one's mental health is a staple gimmick of
horror, yet it's quite understandably for the on-screen family to
undergo this struggle. Credit goes to Sofia Rosinsky as the child,
she's adorable yet shows enough peculiar signs to make viewers wonder
if the ordeal has changed her. The movie even throws a cuddly dog to
raise the eerie tension and apprehension whether it will also be a
victim.
Cinematography adds the traditional value as it includes the grimy
nature of India. It often shows the city or village in suitable tone,
details such as those in the busy streets or quiet alleys are fine
additions. Suchitra Pillai-Malik as Piki the maid rounds up the cast,
while also gives a more identifiable foreign vibe.
The creepy moments, admittedly, aren't incredibly original. The movie
has a nice buildup, but it plays around with the usual trepidation and
suspense of dark corners while the narrative is also predictable since
it gives many hints. However, the cast and presentation deliver
confidently. The production knows its way around the genre, giving the
horror the right and occasional unforeseen timing, so they never feel
like cheap scares.
"The Other Side of the Door" opens up many chances for horror with its
appreciation of foreign culture and delightfully convincing performance
from its cast.
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