The Pale Door

In the dead of night, a family's quiet existence is shattered as armed thieves invade their home. The invasion culminates in a horrifying discovery for brothers Jake and Duncan, who find their parents brutally murdered.

As flames engulf their once safe haven, Jake and Duncan are left to cope with the unbearable reality of losing their parents. The boys must confront their grief and the overwhelming sense of betrayal from the world around them.

Years later, Jake finds himself involved with the notorious Dalton gang in a seedy saloon. Despite Duncan's warnings, Jake takes the risky step of stepping into a role within the gang following the death of a member during a violent clash.

The gang executes a carefully plotted train heist, expecting to find a cache of gold. Instead, they discover a young woman named Pearl who has been kidnapped, piquing their interest with the promise of a reward.

As they attempt to secure Pearl’s safety, tragedy strikes when Duncan is shot by Pinkerton agents. His condition deteriorates, and the gang is forced to find immediate help to save him.

The gang arrives at a tavern run by the enigmatic Maria, who offers them refuge and support for Duncan's injuries. They share stories over drinks, revealing Maria's dark past of wrongful persecution and loss.

As the night progresses, the gang learns that Maria and her companions are survivors of a witch-hunting era. Fueled by rage over their past, the witches violently confront the gang, leading to devastating outcomes.

The few surviving members of the gang retreat to a remote cabin to plan their next move. Tensions run high as they strategize how to escape the witches' wrath and rescue Duncan.

In a shocking twist, Maria claims that Jake’s innocence makes him crucial for their survival. His purity is seen as a powerful allure, adding pressure to his already burdened conscience.

Determined to find his brother, Jake embarks on a quest with Dodd, only to find Duncan missing. Their desperate search leads them to forge a fraught alliance with the remaining gang members.

As the group's situation worsens, Wylie succumbs to a bizarre compulsion to eat glass. His mental unraveling symbolizes the nightmarish reality they face as they confront their dark past.

The group makes a desperate attempt to reach a nearby church in search of sanctuary and healing. As tensions escalate, they face ambushes and bitter confrontations, resulting in significant loss.

During the chaotic confrontation, Dodd tragically falls victim to the violent clashes. Left to fight against the witches and their adversities, Jake struggles to survive in the face of despair.

In a desperate move, a deal is struck between Maria and Pearl, offering Duncan's life for Jake's escape. Heartbroken but resigned, Jake makes the painful choice, ushering Duncan away from the horror.

Jake ultimately triumphs over their traumatic past, reclaiming the family farm and starting anew with a child named Jacob. However, a lingering sense of foreboding remains as a solitary crow watches over them from the balcony.