Gates of Darkness is a supernatural horror-thriller directed by Don E. FauntLeRoy. The film delves into themes of possession, exorcism, and family trauma, combining elements of religious horror with personal struggles.

The plot centers on a teenager named Stephen Tade (played by Randy Shelly), who begins to experience disturbing visions and strange behavior. His family suspects that something is wrong, but they believe it to be related to the trauma of his mother’s disappearance. However, as Stephen’s behavior becomes more erratic and violent, it becomes clear that he is battling something much darker—a demonic force that may have taken hold of him.

Stephen seeks help from Father Dumal (Tobin Bell, best known for his role as Jigsaw in the Saw franchise), a priest who specializes in exorcisms. As the investigation into Stephen’s condition deepens, the truth about his family’s dark past begins to unravel. The film combines elements of demonic possession and exorcism, while also addressing the emotional toll that family secrets and unresolved trauma can have on individuals.

Gates of Darkness focuses heavily on Stephen’s internal struggle as he grapples with the demonic presence and tries to uncover the truth behind his family’s history. The film blends classic horror tropes like possession and religious rituals with psychological tension, creating a slow-burn horror experience.

While Gates of Darkness received mixed reviews, with some praising Tobin Bell’s performance and the film’s eerie atmosphere, others felt that it relied too heavily on familiar horror elements and lacked originality.