Demons, Dilemmas, and a Descent Into Madness

Read Time:5 Minute, 5 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Portal to Hell
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Genre: Horror, Comedy
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director(s): Woody Bess
Writer(s): Woody Bess
Cast: Trey Holland, Keith David, Richard Kind, Michael McDonald, Romina D'Ugo, Ray Porter
Where To Watch: shown at the 2025 Slamdance Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: Horror comedies often lean into chaos, but this film finds an unexpected harmony between absurdity and substance. What begins as a mundane life for its protagonist rapidly spirals into an unpredictable descent, blending horror and humor with an undercurrent of deeper reflection. The way it juggles its eccentricity with tension keeps it from settling into any mold, making it a strangely captivating experience. It’s funny, occasionally disturbing, and surprisingly insightful in its offbeat way—a testament to the creative potential still thriving within genre filmmaking.

The story centers on Dunn, played with exasperation and reluctant heroism by Trey Holland. A debt collector trudging through a monotonous existence, Dunn’s life takes a drastic turn when a trip to his local laundromat (unrelated, but this is the third film I’ve watched in the last year that has odd events in a laundromat. Is this a new trend?) uncovers something far beyond the realm of unpaid bills and angry phone calls: a portal to hell. The demonic presence guarding it, voiced by Richard Kind, is no mindless terror—he’s got a proposition—three souls in exchange for the safety of Dunn’s neighbor, Mr. Bobshank. What follows is a strange, often hilarious, and occasionally unsettling exploration of morality, sacrifice, and whether a bad person can truly be redeemed.

The cast does a remarkable job bringing this absurd premise to life. Keith David brings a quiet gravitas to Bobshank and makes his character’s plight feel real, even in the most outlandish moments. His chemistry with Holland lends emotion to the film, making the stakes feel tangible despite the supernatural setting. Kind’s performance as the demon is another highlight, blending menace with humor to create an antagonist that feels fresh. Instead of playing the role of a one-dimensional force of evil, Kind makes him oddly charismatic—just unsettling enough to be dangerous but oddly charming in his way. Romina D’Ugo rounds out the primary cast as Ed, the laundromat worker caught in this escalating chaos. Her instincts and natural delivery greatly contrast the heightened absurdity around her.

The film leans into its offbeat nature. The laundromat setting transforms into something eerie and strangely beautiful. Bright neon hues, unpredictable lighting choices, and attention to detail make this environment feel like more than just a backdrop—it becomes its character, shifting in tone along with the narrative. The production design helps blur the line between reality and the supernatural, ensuring that even the strangest moments feel grounded in the world the film has created. It’s a testament to how much thought went into making this film.

Dialogue plays a significant role in keeping the film’s momentum going. In particular, the exchanges between Dunn and the demon are consistently engaging, filled with wit, tension, and an underlying sense of unpredictability. It’s a rare horror-comedy that doesn’t rely on cheap gags or over-the-top absurdity to land its laughs. Instead, the humor emerges naturally from the characters and their circumstances. That being said, the film isn’t afraid to slow down and allow for genuine moments of reflection. Dunn’s dilemma—whether he can justify sacrificing strangers to save someone he cares about—adds an unexpected layer of depth. The film’s commitment to its premise, combined with its strong performances and visual creativity, ensures that even its less polished moments add to its unique charm rather than detract from it.

At its core, this is more than just a wild supernatural adventure—it’s a film about choice, consequences, and how people justify their actions. While the story revolves around demons, hellish bargains, and a battle against supernatural forces, the real conflict is internal. Dunn’s struggle with his morality gives the film a sense of purpose beyond its entertaining premise. That’s what makes it stand out—not just the laughs, not just the horror, but the way it leaves audiences thinking about the weight of their decisions.

Indie horror has always thrived on ingenuity, and this film proves that with the right mix of creativity and strong performances, budget constraints don’t have to be limitations. Instead, they become opportunities to find new ways to engage an audience. It’s funny, weird, and surprisingly heartfelt, delivering a genre experience that refuses to be predictable. This is a must-watch for those who enjoy horror with a dark edge and a philosophical bite. It’s chaotic, sharp, and brimming with personality, proving that independent genre films still have plenty to offer.

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[photo courtesy of OBSCURED PICTURES]

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