The Hole

After moving into a quiet neighborhood, brothers Dane and Lucas team up with their friend Julie to explore the new house they share with their mother. In the basement they uncover a strange, bottomless hole that seems to stretch on forever, a curiosity that quickly turns sinister. As soon as the hole is exposed, odd disturbances creep into daylight and the house feels watched. Shadows flicker where there should be none, and nightmares slip into waking life. The trio discovers the hole acts like a portal to their fears, pulling their thoughts and memories into a growing web of danger they must confront to stop the nightmare from spreading.

Directed by Joe Dante, The Hole is based on an original screenplay by Mark L. Smith and released in 2009. The film blends thriller, adventure and fantasy as it follows Dane, Lucas and Julie through a basement peril that becomes a test of courage, imagination and family loyalty. The cast features Chris Massoglia, Nathan Gamble, Haley Bennett, Teri Polo and Bruce Dern in supporting turns.

Box office information for The Hole is modest and not widely documented, reflecting its limited release and niche appeal. The film earned a small footprint in theaters and later found most of its audience on home video and streaming. It did not become a blockbuster, but it has a quiet afterlife with genre fans.

The film did not attract major award nominations or wins. Critics treated it as a competent lean genre piece that shows Joe Dante's affection for blending humor with fright. While not a critical darling, the film has a handful of supporters who appreciate its brisk pace and practical effects.

Critics note the film's focus on facing fears and the danger of curiosity, with strong performances from the young leads and a grounded sense of danger that keeps the premise tense despite familiar plot devices. The story uses a family dynamic to anchor its thrills and keep the stakes personal.