The Pale Door

"The Pale Door" is a grotesque and spine-chilling Western horror flick released in 2020, directed by Aaron B. Koontz. This riveting hybrid of genres stirs up an electrifying mix of outlaw grit, the supernatural, and spine-tingling terror. The movie brings together an ensemble cast including Melora Walters, Pat Healy, and Stan Shaw, with their seasoned performances adding an authentic touch to the abstractly eerie plot.

The story propels its narrative via a band of outlaw brothers, bravely portrayed by an ensemble cast including Devin Druid, best recognized for his role in the series "13 Reasons Why", and Zachary Knighton, known for his roles in "Happy Endings" and "Flashforward". Other additions to this band are Noah Segan, famous for his performances in several Rian Johnson's films, and Stan Shaw, an actor whose terrifying demeanor and voice lend shivers to his character.

The movie begins unfolding its plot with a botched train robbery - a heroic act attempting to aid younger Dalton's (Druid) medical needs proves calamitous. The heist takes a dark and uncanny turn when instead of expected bounty, they stumble upon a locked chest, holding a helpless and mysterious girl inside. The unfolding events take a sinister turn with the brothers finding themselves pulled into the underbelly of the supernatural world.

The sense of dread and anticipation heightens as they reluctantly bring the girl to an isolated and seemingly abandoned town. The town, however, reveals itself to be occupied by an eerie group of 'brothel women', with Melora Walter's universally creepy demeanor adding an extra layer of unease. Offering a warm and inviting refuge for the weary outlaws, the sisters soon display their malicious intentions. The night falls, and so does the mask of these women revealing a gaggle of witches with intentions far from amicable.

Pat Healy, who is recognizable from his roles in 'Cheap Thrills' and 'The Innkeepers,' plays one of the menacing figures who tower over the cowboys. Director Aaron B. Koontz intelligently manages to maintain the balance between Western and horror elements throughout the film, harnessing both genres' essential elements to keep you intrigued all the way through.

"The Pale Door" exhibits brutal camaraderie and loyalty among the brothers and their gang members, juxtaposed with the horrific prospects they confront. The narrative focuses not just on the witches' dauntless terror but also humanizes the outlaw brothers, exploring the individual's inner fears and yearnings and the bonds that bind them together. The movie manifests a distinct pastiche of Western outlaws facing unearthly entities, dealing with humanistic and paranormal fear.

Dread hangs heavy throughout the film, given its gruesome and grotesque elements, underpinned by eerie suspense that's typical of the horror genre. The stunning visual effects, meticulously detailed set designs, and effective use of shadows and color, give an authentic yet spine-chilling feel. While the film pays an homage to classic Western cinematic techniques with gun-slinging outlaws, desperate shootouts, and grandiose landscapes, it equally draws on tried-and-true horror clichés: unreal witches, curse-driven plotlines, and gory body horror.

In balance, it’s Koontz’s directorial vision that draws the strength of each genre into a perfect blend. The film switches from wide-open spaces of the Wild West to claustrophobic close-quarter horrors, which leaves viewers engrossed and on the edge of their seats. The gritty atmosphere, haunting score, and supernatural elements induce a sense of unease that tightens its grip with every unfolding scene.

Its grotesque horror elements notwithstanding, "The Pale Door" invites viewers to ponder deeper themes. It is a tale of redemption, sacrifice, and the importance of familial ties, and it explores these facets through the lens of an unconventional encounter between cowboys and witches.

"The Pale Door" is a breath of fresh air for horror and Western enthusiasts alike, surprising viewers with unexpected turns and masterfully maintaining suspense until the last frame.