Spoilers are not the Lizard King.

Okey, first things first, this is an anthology film. I didn’t know, and I really wish I’d be ready for it. It does keep a central theme in mind, but there’s different stories and filmmakers involved here. Of course, that means the whole tone shifting and limited character development are intrinsic to the format, so I end up considering it more of a bit of a showcase. Let’s delve in.

(Credit: Bloody Disgusting)

Doors (2021) was created by Chris White and Saman Kesh. Living alien artifacts are appearing around the world, dubbed doors which seem to entice people to approach and then be entrapped unto them. Some people are called to them, some people kill for them, a lot of people end up being absorbed into them and the worst seem to be the very few that come back out. We get four stories in this universe.

“Lockdown” was directed by Jeff Desom. Mr. Johnson (Christopher Black) is watching over his teenage students as they take a test, when something calls his attention. As the school goes into lockdown, the kids discover an otherworldly presence has made its way in. They all recoil, but outsider Ash (Kathy Khanh) seems to feel a connection to it. As the opening story, this one felt a bit one note to me.

“Knockers” was directed by Saman Kesh. The knockers are the police force that regulates and controls the doors. When a new one appears, three members of said force are called to enter and document what they find on the other side. Unfortunately for Becky (Lina Esco), Vince (Josh Peck) and Patrick (Dugan O’Neal) this door seems to know and play on their past romantic history. I thought this one had legs and I wanted to see what it would do with more runtime.

“Lamaj” was directed by Dugan O’Neal. Jamal (Kyp Malone) has found a door for himself and through trial and error, has found the frequency to be able to communicate and even befriend it. He decides to share his findings with his former colleague Kathy (Kristina Lear) but she doesn’t come alone. This one has a light comedic tone that just feels out of place. Expectations were simply not met here.

“Interstitials” was directed by Saman Kesh. Martin Midnight (David Hemphill) broadcasts about the doors and all the conspiracy theories surrounding them without really being a believer. That is, until his guest Alan (Darius Levanté) turns out to bring him a message from the doors themselves. This one is short, but sells it on performance alone. There’s even a bit of a psychological horror element.

I’d say it half works. The overall result is an almost obligatory mixed bag. I would say the concept is diluted when explored via the anthology format. It feels more like an experiment than a complete fleshed out premise. As much as I prefer a central storyline, a little more freedom might have help each story grow organically into its own thing. As its stands, it’s lukewarm as average.

Lightly recommended with reservations. The execution is either a fail or a miss, with hardly a story feeling like the middle ground. Save it for a rainy day, or a holiday screening to cleanse the pallad after the family holiday film marathon. Worth a watch when the pickings are slim.

That will do for now.