The Pact writer/director Nicholas McCarthy is back with At the Devil's Door (previously titled Home) and once again doesn't disappoint, offering that great atmosphere and creepiness we saw in The Pact in this latest effort. Unfortunately the similarities between the two also kind of hurt it in certain aspects, but not enough to warrant a negative review, as it's still better in many ways than a majority of the indie horror we get lately.

Much like in The Pact the story shifts focus from one character to another, first starting off in the 80's with a young girl whom seemingly gets possessed after making some sort of shady deal. Fast forwarded to present day and we now revolve around an ambitious young real estate agent who is tasked to sell the home that once housed said possessed girl. Strange events and creepiness ensue, eventually leading the sister of the real estate agent to be the next focus, whom takes it upon herself to investigate the home and uncover more details about the girl from the beginning and how she fits in all this.

As I said before, there are many similarities between this and the director's previous film, The Pact, which is both good and band. It's good to see the man using great mood and atmosphere to establish scenes again, along with some fairly uncommon (but successful) scare tactics. There's one thing he knows how to do and that's to create a really creepy ass scene. However, it's not necessarily a good thing when the same formula is used, like for instance having our lead walk alone through a dimly lit house only to pull off another scare for the viewer. Sure the scene might've been creepy, but I couldn't help  but feel like I was watching The Pact all over again at times. I mean, you can still create a successful scare without having to necessarily mirror your previous work.

Aside from that I had some minor issues with the climax, which I felt seemed a little out of place from the rest of the pic. Regardless, it still ended on a better note than most of these similarly themed films tend to end. I still see a lot of potential in Nicholas McCarthy and hope his next addition to the genre differs from his usual formula, but still keep that great foreboding atmosphere and genuine creepiness.

Simply put, if you liked the filmmaker's previous effort (The Pact) then you'll probably dig this as well. At the Devil's Door offers the same kind of atmosphere and creepiness that was dominant in his past effort and even throws in a couple legit scares along the way. This is mostly a slow-burn atmospheric flick, so steer clear if that's not your thing, otherwise give this a look.