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Thriller

The Gates (2026): Cast & Ratings

The Gates (2026) movie poster

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.

IMDb rating
5.4/10
Echo Score
62
Metascore
44
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The Gates (2026) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 38m (98 min)
Director
John Burr
Genre
Thriller
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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.

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Cast & crew

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.

Ratings

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).

62 /100

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.

Videos

The Gates Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 teaser.

Official Trailer
  • Teaser know what you saw?
Details

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?

FAQ

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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