Horror Movie Review: Hostile Dimensions (2023)

Slowly, but surely, and sadly, Graham Hughes’ Hostile Dimensions falls apart. Turning from an intriguing watch that has Lovecraftian vibes into boring nonsense that just refuses to end. Harsh? Of course, but when a film seems so promising and fails in every aspect to deliver, it’s hard not to be harsh.

A found-footage horror that is filled with exasperating tropes, Hostile Dimensions is a no-budget flick that looks and feels like one. The story surrounds a free-standing door in an abandoned building that seems to lead to different dimensions.

It’s graffiti artist Emily (Josie Rogers) who discovers this and promptly disappears. Which gets the attention of film-makers Sam (Annabel Logan) and Ash (Joma West) who find Emily’s footage, do some digging, and end up finding the door and taking it back to Ash’s apartment.

A solid set-up which gets the imagination racing, as even with no budget, talented creators can do wonders, which is very much the case here as the door proves to be a portal. A portal to a seemingly infinite number of worlds conjured by what the door-opener is thinking about at the time.

Of course, they are amazed and excited by this, but they still need to solve the mystery of the missing Emily… and then they find her. Not all the door’s dimensions are happy places. There is darkness out there, and it is darkness that is always trying to get in. An open door might be just what it needs.

Ok, I’ve made this nonsense sound way better than it is, as aside from some interesting visuals when they step into different dimensions, this film is as messy as it is yawn-inducing. If you’re not sitting there with a quizzical or annoyed face, it’s because you fell asleep. Something easy enough to do as the story meanders along and the characters lack anything worth paying attention too. Bad acting? They can only do so much with characters and dialogue this poor.

That all of this disappointment is wrapped up in a found footage style of filming makes it even worse. The horrible cuts, the shaky camera work, the fuzzy effects and poor sound, and the hilarious idiotic way that everyone grabs a camera regardless of events. Someone in dire need of help? Don’t forget the camera! It was a tired trope when Cloverfield came out, there is simply no excuse to do this anymore.

Does it at least deliver eldritch horror that has the power to drive a person insane? What do you think? This is one to avoid.