The Thing on the Doorstep

Watch The Thing on the Doorstep

  • 2014
  • 1 hr 29 min
  • 3.8  (283)

The Thing on the Doorstep is a tense and atmospheric horror film from 2014, directed by Tom Gliserman and based on a short story by H.P. Lovecraft. Set in the early 20th century in rural New England, the film follows the unraveling of a close-knit group of friends after one of them becomes involved with a mysterious woman who may not be what she seems.

The film opens with Daniel Upton (David Bunce) dictating an account of recent events into a recording machine, telling us that what we are about to see is "a record of the horror that befell us." Flashing back to a month earlier, we see Daniel and his best friend Edward Derby (Rob Dalton), both academics and intellectuals, discussing Edward's upcoming marriage to Asenath Waite (Mary Jane Hansen). Daniel is wary of Asenath, whom he has never met, but Edward is smitten and eager to introduce her to his friends.

When Asenath arrives for a weekend visit, Daniel's suspicions are quickly confirmed - she is cold, aloof, and seems to have a strange hold over Edward. Puzzled and disturbed by her behavior, Daniel begins to investigate Asenath's past, digging up information on her family and their strange practices. He learns that Asenath's father Ephraim was a notorious sorcerer and madman, rumored to have performed unspeakable deeds with the help of otherworldly creatures.

As Daniel delves deeper into Asenath's secrets, he starts to have terrifying visions and nightmares, in which he sees himself and his friends transformed into monstrous beings. He becomes convinced that Asenath has cast a spell on Edward, and that she is planning to use him as a vessel for her father's spirit. Desperate to save his friend, Daniel enlists the help of Susan (Susan Cicarelli-Caputo), Edward's estranged wife, who shares his suspicions and is also determined to reveal Asenath's true nature.

As the tension mounts and the stakes get higher, the film takes on a sinister and claustrophobic tone, with the characters trapped in a remote location and cut off from the rest of the world. The cinematography is moody and atmospheric, with dimly lit interiors and shots of the surrounding woods, which seem to be alive with hidden dangers. The sound design is also effective, with eerie ambient noises and unsettling music adding to the sense of unease.

The cast of The Thing on the Doorstep is terrific, with strong performances from all the leads. David Bunce is particularly good as Daniel, portraying him as a complex and conflicted character who is torn between his loyalty to his friend and his fear of the unknown. Rob Dalton captures Edward's naive charm and vulnerability, while Mary Jane Hansen exudes a chilling otherworldly aura as Asenath. Susan Cicarelli-Caputo brings a welcome dose of pragmatism and skepticism to the proceedings, grounding the story in a more realistic context.

Overall, The Thing on the Doorstep is a well-crafted and engaging horror film that will appeal to fans of Lovecraft and supernatural thrillers. It skillfully blends elements of psychological horror, suspense, and supernatural terror, delivering a satisfying and memorable viewing experience. Whether you're a die-hard horror fan or just looking for a spooky night in, this film is definitely worth checking out.

The Thing on the Doorstep is a 2014 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.8.

The Thing on the Doorstep
Description
Where to Watch The Thing on the Doorstep
The Thing on the Doorstep is available to watch free on Plex and Vudu Free. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon Prime, The Roku Channel, Amazon and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent The Thing on the Doorstep for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2014
  • Runtime
    1 hr 29 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    3.8  (283)