THE GATHERING came out in 2003 and is only now making its bow on DVD. That tells you something, but not about the quality of the film necessarily because THE GATHERING is not a bad film by any stretch of the imagination. It is, however, a somewhat underwhelming one.

The direction and the filming is somewhat televisual rather than a big screen release and so the film might find its rightful place on DVD. The chills that the film provides are fairly tame and not likely to be strong enough for the hardcore horror fans whilst the human dramas are somewhat undercooked. This not helped by a lead performance that is uncertain and support that is fine, but no more than that. Robert Hardy gives the stand out performance by doing nothing more than he usually does. Even the promised local disaster comes across as being very parochial.

What does work in the film is the central premise of the Gathering itself. This is part of the film's big mystery, so it's impossible to discuss without including spoilers, but it is and intriguing and novel idea, taking a whole new slant on the crucifixion and is worthy of a far better film to feature it.

If you're looking for something a bit creepy without gore or anything too strong, then THE GATHERING plays with some nice ideas, but it is unlikely to rock your world.