[Review] Shudder's 'The Pale Door' Sees Cowboys vs Witches in New Western Horror

Aaron B. Koontz’s latest film The Pale Door hit the horror streaming service Shudder today. The Pale Door stars Devin Druid, Zachary Knighton, Bill Sage, Pat Healy, Natasha Bassett, Stan Shaw, Melora Walters, and was directed by Aaron B. Koontz (Scare Package).

The Pale Door starts off strong, at a family farm under attack. We meet the two Dalton brothers, Duncan and Jake, as children as they try to stay safe on a night when men attack their family. They stay together and survive, but the events take their toll on them as the story flashes forward to them as adults. The eldest brother, Duncan, has become a famous leader of a group of outlaws. While the younger brother, Jake, found a job and is attempting to save money to take back the farm that was stripped from them on the night their parents died.

Even though they are now leading very different lives, their brotherly bond has remained. When something happens to one of the members of Duncan’s clan, he begrudgingly enlists the help of Jake. Jake agrees to help as long as he gets a cut of the bounty that will allow him to buy back the farm sooner. But things don’t go to plan when they discover it isn’t gold in the chest aboard the train.

They find refuge in a ghost town while they look for help to patch up a wounded companion. However, they soon find out that they are not alone after stumbling upon a brothel in the middle of the town square. The men are drawn in as beautiful women descend on the group. The welcoming women reveal themselves to be a coven of witches with sinister needs of their own. The outlaws become trapped in the town with little hope of escaping, as they battle for their lives.

What really works about this film is the storyline. While some of the western and religious imagery get muddied at times, the story along with the practical effects are what keep this film moving forward. I did feel at times some of the characters were under utilized, like Stan Shaw (Jeepers Creepers III) and the wonderfully playful Tina Parker (“Better Call Saul”), who adds touches of humor. There are few parts that get gory and even some scenes that might make you squeamish.

As the history of the witches is unveiled, the story kicks into high gear. The back story on the witches, practical gory effects and the western action makes this movie entertaining and fun. However, the pay off at the end will leave you wanting. If you’ve ever wondered how cowboys would fair against a ghost town full of ancient witches this film is for you. 3/5