“You are entering the vicinity of an area adjacent to a location. The kind of place where there might be a monster or some kind of weird mirror. These are just examples; it could also be something much better. Prepare to enter: The Scary Door.”
Beaten to the punch by a concept from Futurama – but no less worthwhile for it – this dimension-hopping found footage film takes to the Multiverse, assisted by FrightFest favourite Graham Hughes (Death of a Vlogger). When two documentary makers investigate the mysterious disappearance of a young graffiti artist, they find more than they bargained for in the unassuming white door they decide to lug home.
More than just any door, this one turns out to be a portal to the Multiverse. After some bickering, the pair decide to dive in and explore. Not quite everything, everywhere, all at once, but there is a scary panda and a talking dog.
With everyone from Spider-Man to Rick & Morty getting in on the Multiverse, the concept is already pretty old hat, but this cheerily low-key sci-fi proves that it shouldn’t be relegated entirely to superheroes and snarky cartoons. Saving pennies with the found footage format, Hughes spends the pounds where it really matters – on a refreshingly competent cast, surprisingly clean visuals, and a neat hook.
The Multiverse may be getting tired, but this low-budget sci-fi proves that there are still a few unexplored dimensions to the concept yet.
Hostile Dimensions is on digital platforms on August 26th.
