Name: Hellgate
Director: John Penney
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Released: 2011-11-05
Duration: 94 min
Rating: 4.8
Cast: William Hurt, Cary Elwes, Liz Burnette, Ploy Jindachote, Paula Taylor

William Hurt in a Thai ghost movie? The algorithm is broken and I'm HERE for it.

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B-movie ambitioncolonial tourism horror2000s DTV energy

Overview

Horror Thriller

A western businessman, his Thai wife and son experience a horrible accident while visiting Bangkok. In the aftermath, they find there is a shadow world between life and death where endless darkness lies.

Content warning

grief and denialcultural exploitationthe liminal space of lossWestern arrogance abroad

Standout Aspects

Acting

William Hurt's 'I need a new boat' commitment level

Production

Bangkok locations wasted on this script

Best for:Solo·Background

Heads up:Emotional

Director

John Penney

ReleasedNov 5, 2011

Runtime1h 34m

StatusReleased

Vibe

Paceslow

Intensitymedium

Tonedark

Feelheavy

Budget$5M

Angel & Bear Productions

Capitol Motion Pictures

Top Cast

William Hurt

Warren Mills

Cary Elwes

Jeff Mathews

Liz Burnette

Mae Noi (voice)

Ploy Jindachote

Choi Luang

Paula Taylor

Som Mathews

Nori Sato

Ghost in the Hallway

Viyada Umarin

Mae Noi

Byron Bishop

Dr. Anand

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Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Trivia

Director John Penney also made 'Zombie Island Massacre' and 'The Kindred'—this is literally his most prestigious cast.

Cultural

The film awkwardly blends Thai ghost folklore (phi) with Western afterlife tropes, creating a confused mythology that serves neither tradition well. It's 'The Grudge' meets 'The Lovely Bones' via Google Translate.