The Gates (2026): Cast & Ratings
The Gates is a 2026 thriller directed by John Burr, starring Randy Wayne as Gary, Brad Leland and James Van Der Beek. It runs 1 hour 38 minutes. Critics gave it 44 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.4/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 38m (98 min)
- Director
- John Burr
- Genre
- Thriller
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Indy Entertainment
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Gates About?
The premise of The Gates without spoilers.
During a carefree road trip, three friends stumble upon a brutal murder inside an upscale gated community. The residents, convinced the outsiders are responsible, seal the streets and turn the neighborhood into a deadly trap. As the charismatic but menacing patriarch tightens his grip, the friends' trust in each other crumbles under fierce pursuit.
The Gates Cast & Characters
Randy Wayne leads the cast as Gary, with Brad Leland as Christopher and James Van Der Beek as Jacob. Directed by John Burr; 20 actors are credited in all.
- Director John Burr
-
Randy Wayne as Gary -
Brad Leland as Christopher -
James Van Der Beek as Jacob -
Mason Gooding as Derek
Also Starring in The Gates
· 16 more- Algee Smith Kevin
- Keith Powers Tyon
- Shelby Simmons Tiffany
- Jack Snyder Thad
- Sofia Hublitz Roxy
- Jacob Dever JD
- Rachel Thundat Shane
- Kylr Coffman Officer Bobby
- Natasha Ellie Kendra
- Elle Evans Elizabeth
- Jaxon Noble Pickens Caleb
- Tate Talley Preston
- Rob Gallavan Officer Horton
- Aliyah Celeste Julissa
- Isabella Betwee Nicole
- Josh Sallee Xavier
The Gates Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Gates 44 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 62/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in sensory experience (45).
The Gates Echo Score Breakdown
The Gates elicits a mixed but modestly favorable response overall. While the film’s direction and visual execution draw criticism for sluggish pacing and low‑budget aesthetics, its performances and thematic ambition receive appreciable praise. User commentary highlights engaging twists and resonant social commentary, offset by reviewer notes of uneven thrills. Consequently, the movie settles into a moderate middle ground in the broader genre landscape.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 45
In terms of art and craft, the film’s direction is frequently described as lethargic, with critics noting molasses pacing and bland execution. Production values appear constrained by a modest budget, leading to comments on cheapness and limited visual flair. Although occasional competent editing is observed, the overall technical impression remains below average.
- Character & Emotion 80
When evaluating character and emotion, the consensus is notably positive. Performances are repeatedly praised as solid and magnetic, with particular emphasis on the lead’s charisma elevating the material. Reviewers highlight nuanced interactions and believable chemistry that deepen the narrative impact, resulting in a strong emotional resonance throughout the film.
- Story & Flow 65
The story aspect presents a blend of strengths and weaknesses. Viewers commend the plot’s clever twists and its capacity to balance dark undertones with humor, describing it as smarter than typical cat‑and‑mouse thrillers. Conversely, some critics point to uneven pacing and a lack of payoff, which dilutes overall narrative cohesion.
- Sensory Experience 45
Sensory experience receives limited commendation, with few references to sound design or musical scoring. Critics and users alike note that the film’s low‑budget constraints affect visual texture and overall polish, leading to perceptions of a modest aesthetic. Consequently, the sensory dimension is viewed as adequate but unremarkable.
- Rewatch Factor 75
Rewatch factor is regarded positively, with multiple viewers citing high enjoyment on repeat viewings and the film’s suitability for varied settings such as dates, family outings, or solo screenings. The blend of surprising twists, humor, and resonant themes contributes to lasting appeal, prompting several audience members to express intent to watch the film again.
-
IMDb 5.4 /10
2253 votes
See on IMDb -
Metacritic 44 Metascore
User score 5.0
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 77% User score
See on TMDB
The Gates Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 teaser.
- Teaser know what you saw?
The Gates Also Known As
5 alternative titles, including “死囚怨念” and “Врата ада”.
- Also known as
-
- 死囚怨念
- Врата ада
- השערים
- Les Portes
- A Maldição da Prisão
Seen The Gates?
Articles About The Gates
Our article about The Gates: “The Gates (2026) Review & Opinions: Critics Reception, Fan Reactions, and Performance Analysis”.
-
Opinions
The Gates FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Gates, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Gates?
The Gates runs 1 hour 38 minutes (98 minutes).
When was The Gates released?
The Gates was released on March 13, 2026.
Who directed The Gates?
The Gates was directed by John Burr.
More films by John Burr Who is in the cast of The Gates?
The Gates stars Randy Wayne as Gary, Brad Leland as Christopher and James Van Der Beek as Jacob, among 20 credited actors.
How is The Gates rated?
The Gates has 5.4/10 on IMDb, 44 on Metacritic and 77% on TMDB.
Does The Gates have a post-credit scene?
No. The Gates has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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