“Stonegate” opens in on Hunter Scritchfield (played by Brian Rukstalis), a violent inmate purported to be ‘possessed.’ He’s sedated before being escorted into a cell at the titular asylum, and then brutally beaten by orderlies. The scene then shifts to the present day as an adventurous group of teens explore the now-abandoned asylum and stumble upon a tape documenting an exorcism gone wrong, which led to Hunter’s demise. While initially the teens plan on uploading their latest discovery to the dark web to cash in on the demand for gore, the inmate’s vengeful spirit has other plans in store.
Daniel Groom’s indie venture is conceptually similar to popular works (both indie and mainstream) such as “Stranger Things,” “It,” “Session 9,” and “The Blair Witch Project” (the latter of which gained a cult status and popularised the found footage genre). But a lack of twists, suspense, novelty in storytelling, distracting continuity errors, and a sluggish pacing render it less impactful or entertaining than it could have been. There also isn’t enough material in “Stonegate” to merit a feature-length movie, and it often feels like a short film stretched beyond its limit. Additionally, the film is encumbered with cliches.
The Film’s Cast Elevates It
However, “Stonegate” isn’t bereft of positives as the movie’s more often than not carried by the humorous, seemingly ad-libbed banter of its adolescent ensemble. The jump scares and effects are sparse, but the set-up and pay off occasionally impresses, and the movie doesn’t fret from upping the shock factor. Despite losing steam as it progresses, the first half also doubles as a rather effective and subtle social commentary on the perils of online clout as the teens resort to live-streaming their gory findings on Instagram. While a scene of the friends playing “Among Us” dates the movie (the addictive game was more popular during the pandemic), it also serves as a clever plot device to foreshadow an ‘imposter’ among them who may have more culpability for eerie things than initially suspected.
The young cast is “Stonegate’s” saving grace, and watching the mischievous and naturally curious ensemble horse around in the ominous woods/cemetery surrounding the asylum—or swearing at their monitors as they play video games—helps to shift focus from the underwhelming execution and other flaws. Aaron Weatherwax as Jaxson, Gabrielle Casey as the level-headed Skyler and Rowan Muzzy as Nolan all show promise. Jake Labrie is unfortunately saddled with the least fleshed out character, Diego. He’s treated as by the group as the token Mexican friend. He has an overly-superstitious mom (Yaritsa Sanchez), and exists almost solely for comic relief. He’s not just singled out as the butt of the jokes by the rest of the teenagers, but even by the spirit who uses him as target practice and leaves him covered in bruises and bloody scratches.
A Film Encumbered by Cliches
Yet Patrick McAvoy delivers an earnest performance as Nolan’s workaholic dad, Marshall, who mixes booze in his morning coffee when the stress gets to him and is harbouring a dark secret. His constant grimacing is also far more chilling than the supernatural presence that latches onto the group, and which is mostly depicted in a generic fashion through the use of a standard black smoke effect.
Overall, “Stonegate” sadly misses its concept, alternating between an indie horror with potential and a bland outing. It ultimately culminates in more tedium than excitement and outlining what could have unfortunately been a better film with more fleshing out and less cliche.
“Stonegate” is available to watch on Amazon Prime and Google Play.
