The Boy Behind the Door

Movie Trailer

Release Date
July 29, 2021

Genre
Horror, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Lonnie Chavis as Bobby
• Ezra Dewey as Kevin
• Kristin Bauer van Straten as Ms. Burton
• Scott Michael Foster as The Creeper
• Micah Hauptman as The Cop
• Rich Ceraulo Ko as Officer Burton

Director
David Charbonier, Justin Powell

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The Djinn (2021)

Producer
Ryan Scaringe, Rick Rosenthal, Jim Hart

Writer
David Charbonier, Justin Powell

Budget
$500,000 (estimated)

Production Company
Kinogo Pictures, Whitewater Films

Running Time
88 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Intense scenes of peril and violence
• Strong language
• Themes involving child abduction and survival

Movie Story
“The Boy Behind the Door” is a gripping horror-thriller that follows the harrowing ordeal of two best friends, Bobby (Lonnie Chavis) and Kevin (Ezra Dewey), who are kidnapped and taken to a secluded house in the middle of nowhere. The film opens with a shocking scene: the boys, who had been playing baseball, are abducted and stuffed into the trunk of a car. When Bobby manages to escape his confines, he faces an unimaginable nightmare as he tries to rescue Kevin from the clutches of their captors.

The film’s narrative is tight and suspenseful, focusing on Bobby’s desperate attempts to evade the sinister adults in the house while trying to free Kevin, who is locked away in a room. The tension is relentless as Bobby navigates the dark, labyrinthine house, using his wits to outsmart the terrifying figures who have taken them captive. The film explores themes of friendship, bravery, and the will to survive against overwhelming odds.

“The Boy Behind the Door” stands out for its ability to maintain a high level of suspense throughout its runtime. The film effectively uses its confined setting to create a claustrophobic atmosphere, where every creak of the floorboards and shadow in the hallway could signal impending danger. The young actors, Lonnie Chavis and Ezra Dewey, deliver powerful performances that anchor the film emotionally, making the audience deeply invested in their survival.

Special Effects
The film’s special effects are minimal but effective, relying more on atmosphere and practical effects to build tension and convey the horror of the situation. The sound design plays a crucial role in heightening the suspense, with every noise in the house adding to the sense of dread. The cinematography also contributes to the film’s mood, using low lighting and tight camera angles to create a feeling of confinement and danger.

Box Office Performance
“The Boy Behind the Door” had a limited release and gained traction through its availability on streaming platforms like Shudder, where it resonated with horror fans. The film received positive attention for its taut storytelling and strong performances, particularly given its low budget. It became a favorite among genre enthusiasts looking for a well-crafted, suspenseful thriller.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California, USA

Notable Quotes

• “I won’t leave you, Kevin. I promise.” – Bobby
• “You can’t hide forever, little boy.” – Ms. Burton

Behind-the-Scenes

• “The Boy Behind the Door” was filmed over a tight schedule, with directors David Charbonier and Justin Powell making the most of their limited budget to create a tense and engaging thriller.
• The film was well-received at various film festivals before its wider release, where it was praised for its ability to deliver a suspenseful and emotionally resonant story with a fresh take on the home-invasion subgenre.

Awards

• Nominated for Best First Feature at the 2022 Independent Spirit Awards

Final Verdict
“The Boy Behind the Door” is a standout horror-thriller that delivers nail-biting suspense and emotional depth in equal measure. Its tightly wound plot, combined with strong performances from its young leads, makes it a must-watch for fans of the genre. The film’s ability to maintain tension from start to finish, coupled with its exploration of themes like friendship and survival, sets it apart as a memorable entry in the horror genre.

IMDb Rating
5.7/10