PopHorror Let's Get Scared
What do you get when you mix the Ghost Adventures TV series and Evil Dead (1981)? A new horror film called Portal (2019) that was written by Peter Dukes (Escape Room 2017) and Dean Alioto (Shadowheart 2009, Quarries 2016), and directed by Dean Alioto (Lizzie Borden Had An Axe 2004). The film stars Heather Langenkamp (A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise), Ryan Merriman (Final Destination 3 2006), Jamie Tisdale (From Dusk Till Dawn TV Series, The Devil’s Candy 2017 – read our review here), Myk Watford (Darkness Rising 2017) and Contracted’s Najarra Townsend (read our interview with her here).
Official Synopsis:
When an ambitious ghost hunter performs a risky ritual, opening a portal to “the other side,” he and his team quickly find themselves in way over their heads in a fight for survival against an ancient demonic force.
Portal provides for an interesting new twist on the story about paranormal investigators. The movie centers around a team of ghost hunters with a show called Ghost Seekers. This group has been struggling to get ratings because they refuse to create scares. With their season finale fast approaching, they are running out of options and are desperate to do anything to get their show renewed for another season. When the team gets their hands on a location that has killer potential, they are willing to risk everything. This includes reading ancient incantations, setting forth the darkness from the portal.
The film peaked my interest when I found out Najarra Townsend was part of the cast. She is quite a talent that I adore for her portrayal as Claire in the horror short film, The Stylist (2016 – read our review here). She gives a shining performance in Portal, despite having a minor role. Without giving away too many spoilers, let’s just say that she rivals Betsy Baker’s performance as Linda in Evil Dead (1981).
Growing up on the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, I found it amazing to see Heather Langenkamp make a return to horror in Portal. We all know her as Nancy, but her role as Fiona in Portal really kicks butt! Fiona holds her own while dealing with personal trauma that the darkness torments her with. Be patient, though, as you have wait for her appearance until later in the film, but it is a hit.
The one criticism I have for this movie is that it felt too short, as the run time is only about an hour and fifteen minutes. I would have loved an extended cut to learn more about the characters, especially the female lead, Cris, who is played by Jamie Tisdale. It is her loss that is the center of the film, but the audience is only provided a brief explanation of her backstory.
Final Thoughts:
Portal is a fun paranormal joy ride with some familiar faces from the horror genre. Come along for this supernatural ghost hunt and see if Ghost Seekers gets renewed for another season! Check it out on On Demand or Digital on October 15, 2019.
