The Gates feels like a forgotten 90s thriller — and I mean that as a compliment.
With a simple premise and solid leads, it also features what is now James Van Der Beek’s final film performance. The Dawson’s Creek actor, who sadly passed away just weeks ago, clearly relishes a rare villain role here — chewing through each scene with a growing sense of panic and desperation as events spiral. In a strange way, it feels fitting that an actor so closely tied to that era bows out in a film that captures its spirit so well.
One of the most underrated thrillers of that decade remains Judgement Night (1993), where a group of friends — including Emilio Estevez and Cuba Gooding Jr. — take a wrong turn into the wrong part of town and end up fighting for their lives. It’s a film that’s largely slipped through the cracks, but there’s a clear echo of that same energy here — and it’s likely why I enjoyed The Gates more than I probably should have.
Plot-wise, it follows a familiar path. Mason Gooding and two friends head to a party, only to find their route blocked. A detour leads them into a gated community, where they witness a murder carried out by Van Der Beek’s Jacob. Trapped inside, the trio must figure out how to escape — and more importantly, who they can trust.
It’s a simple but engaging setup, and you quickly find yourself rooting for the boys to survive — especially as Jacob becomes increasingly unhinged in his attempts to maintain control and protect the secret that the community blindly idolises him for.
While the film lightly touches on social and racial themes, it never leans too heavily into them. There’s enough there to spark conversation, but it never overwhelms the central tension. At the same time, it doesn’t quite push the violence or stakes as far as it could — meaning it never fully grips in the way the best thrillers of its kind do.
Still, The Gates delivers a solid 90-minute ride. You may see the twists coming, but you’re never bored — and ultimately, it stands as a fitting, if understated, farewell to Van Der Beek.
A simple… yet enjoyable watch.
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