Johnny Depp delivers a performance close to his finest in this darkly devilish mystery. He portrays a New York rare book dealer who’s not particularly scrupulous but possesses considerable expertise, and he's enlisted by the wealthy Frank Langella to verify the authenticity of a certain text. “The Nine Gates of the Kingdom of Shadows” supposedly has the potential to conjure the devil—or at minimum, grant its possesso…

It’s a truly remarkable film, steeped in mystery, darkness, and occult themes. Virtually every aspect of the movie works exceptionally well – from the music to the narrative and overall feeling. The settings evoke a Gothic and somber mood, perfectly complemented by the score; the performances and writing are equally impressive. Nothing disrupts the consistent and powerful atmosphere established by Polanski, who clear…