This is a story of patience, understanding, and ultimately acceptance. I'm not talking about the story told in At the Devil's Door. I'm talking about my experience watching the movie.

This creepy demon-becoming-incarnate movie by Nicholas McCarthy travels over familiar horror movie ground but takes creative paths in the journey. I had originally missed At the Devil's Door when it debuted a few years back and now approached it with skepticism, given that one person had both written and directed the movie.

I'm all about artistic freedom and am often disappointed by horror flicks corrupted by Hollywood meddling. The flip side, however, is I'm also wary of movies written and directed by one person. Some of the worst horror movies I've seen had the same person serving as writer and director. If that person is also credited for music, production design, lighting and catering, then I know I should run. Of course I seldom do since I love finding the exceptions, but let's face it: if well matched, a good writer/director team can bring balance and perspective to a film sometimes missed by even talented directors.

While McCarthy might have been served by some of that balance, you don't need to run from At the Devil's Door.  The look and tone of this movie shows the benefit of a solid, talented team. Moreover, the film brings out inspired performances from its actors, including from Naya Rivera in her first movie role.

For me, though, the movie missed in pacing and content, disappointing because the directorial choices I watched throughout the film won me over and I really wanted to love this movie. Uninspired horror movies with cheap cliches and sloppy scripts are everywhere, and this was not one of them. McCarthy tried different methods of story telling, such as introducing three separate leads in a type of three-part movie. He produces a truly creepy scene taking place in a house trailer where a girl sells her soul. Characters are curious yet believable and capture a sense of being regular people. Most importantly, McCarthy consciously avoids over-used jump scares and the expected conventions of this type of movie and focused on generating an unsettling mood. That takes courage and shows a willingness to dig deeper into the movie making process.

I even liked that he cast Rivera and actress Catalina Sandino Moreno simply as talented actresses without requiring there be a specific Hispanic or Latin role as is too often the case with the casting of actors of ethnic diversity.

Ultimately, though, all of it wasn't enough for me. I needed more movement, more content. Also, many of the clever elements and interesting visuals slightly stood apart to me rather than simply flowing with the rest of the story. That's not a condemnation, just a personal observation. I admit I am disadvantaged by having seen so many horror movies.

And that's where my acceptance begins. Unlike disappointing horror movies that have left me feeling disrespected because the writer and/or director took unacceptable shortcuts, this movie missed for me for the right reasons. While I did want more from this movie, the experience was like being shown art created by a friend. I was relieved to find it was produced with passion, promise and skill and would be driven to defend it against overly unkind critics, even while knowing the piece wasn't quite ready. I'm confident that even though this film didn't completely work for me, it might very well for others. I hope McCarthy directs another feature horror film in the future. I will have no hesitation in approaching it with an open mind.

Ale Smith Lil Devil Belgian Style Pale Ale