Do Not Enter (2026) – Review and Summary

Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.

Additionally, some images and text may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission or receive products if you make a purchase.

“Do Not Enter” Film Details

• Director(s): Marc Klasfeld
• Writer(s): Dikega Hadnot, Spencer Mandel, Stephen Susco
• Based On Work By: David Morrell
• Distributor: Lionsgate
• Runtime: 1 Hour(s) and 31 Minutes
• Public Release Date (Digital): March 20, 2026
• Genre(s): Horror, Young Adult
• Content Rating: Rated R
• Primary Language: English
• Images © of / Courtesy Of Lionsgate

Movie Summary

Diane, Rick, Vernon, Cora, and JD are a group of urban explorers who will traverse the tunnels of subways and many other places to witness the secrets of the world. Note, they have a code to not touch or notably damage anything, but the group starts to crack as money clearly becomes an issue. After all, even with over 25 episodes, it doesn’t seem they are YouTube partners or have any notable sponsorships. They’re still relying on Rick to get them stuff from his job at Home Depot.

But, going to the Paragon hotel, a haunted, long-shut-down place, where there are apparently millions of dollars, and no one who has entered has left, since its closing, is where episode 28 is due to take place. So, the group is hoping for a turning point, assuming the living or supernatural don’t get in the way.

Cast and Characters

Diane (Adeline Rudolph)

• Character Summary: Diane owns the YouTube channel to which all of the group’s adventures are posted, and she shares the leadership position with her boyfriend, Rick.

Rick (Jake Manley)

• Character Summary: Rick is the main source of supplies for the group and is the one who tries to keep the moral compass pointing north, despite temptations to steal for profit. He calls this “The Code,” which is based on exploration and observing more than ransacking and selling their finds for all they are worth.

Vernon (Shane Paul McGhie)

• Character Summary: Vernon is the photographer and documents a lot of the findings during the group’s adventures.

Cora (Francesca Reale)

• Character Summary: Flexible, adaptable, and willing to take initiative, Cora has many times helped when it seems the group has reached a dead end or physical obstacle in their path. Though, in her mind, her greatest asset is keeping everyone honest.

JD (Kai Caster)

• Character Summary: JD is a bit of an outlier in the group. While everyone else seems to be more focused on the thrill of discovery, he is leaning more and more into what money could be made. To the point, it seems not seeing eye to eye with Rick is causing friction.

Review and Commentary

Highlight(s)

Likable Characters [83/100]

While I wouldn’t say anyone has a breakout performance, when it comes to the core team of Creepers (that’s what they call themselves), you’ll like them. Diane and Rick are a couple, and play the lead roles. Diane is smart, badass, and Rick keeps the group on task and following the code, and while we know they are together, they have a relationship built more on respect and admiration than needing to do PDA every other scene.

As for Vernon and Cora? There could be something there, too. However, Vernon is way more focused on being the photographer and capturing what everyone is doing. Cora? She says her main thing is keeping people honest, but it really is just having a knack for solving problems, especially when it comes to getting behind closed doors.

JD, though, is different. He is the only one who reminds viewers that doing this type of work isn’t cheap or something they are making a living from. It makes him a necessary reminder that these should be seen and treated as real people. For while there is a chance that maybe Diane has money, it isn’t the type of money where she can be a sugar momma to everyone, and none of them need to work.

This adds another layer to the appeal of these characters since you are pushed to realize that, as privileged as they may seem, to have the time and ability to explore closed-off places, they need this work to pay off to survive.

The Question Of Who Will Live Or Die [83.5/100]

With not having a mega star in Do Not Enter, it is clear early on that it could mean anyone dying. Whether it was due to the tunnels they use to get into the hotel, fixtures which haven’t been maintained, or a presence which leaves claw marks on the walls, anything could happen. In fact, multiple times, there are moments you are left wondering if someone died, especially as they are removed from the movie for a bit.

For the sake of avoiding unnecessary spoilers, we won’t say who lives or dies, but you should be ready to mourn.

On The Fence

The Villains Of The Story [74/100]

Where Do Not Enter falls short is in crafting its main “villain.” Yes, there are others who present notable obstacles to the goals of the Creepers. However, the central issue is a demonic presence that seemingly arose due to satanic rituals.

To note, Do Not Enter might be billed as a horror movie, but beyond the villain being something supernatural, it barely qualifies. There aren’t any notable scary moments or suspenseful ones due to the character. Even the look of the character, which is akin to a malnourished vampire, doesn’t create an appearance that elicits fear.

But perhaps the most frustrating part of the central villain is that its existence and its part in the lore of the Paragon Hotel feels rushed. You know it is key to why the hotel is haunted, thus creating any desire for the Creepers to even go there. Yet, the backstory is so weak that it is easily missed.

Then, when it comes to the minor villains? While they present a valid threat, which even leads multiple characters to situations where death is made possible, they are simplified as well. You get there is a need for all of them to make money, and in Diane’s quest for legitimacy, she brought on negative attention. However, the human villains lose their luster almost as quickly as the supernatural one.

Overall

Our Rating (80/100): Positive (Worth Seeing)

Do Not Enter is a fun, speedy movie. It has likable characters, just enough sense of danger for you to worry about their mortality, and while the villains are s a bit lackluster, they do their essential job.

What To Check Out Next

Check out our movies page! There you’ll find our latest movie reviews and recommendations, like some of our posts below:

• 

  Liza, Liza, Skies are Grey – Review/ Summary

  Thanks to a series of rather strange events, “Liza, Liza, Skies are Grey” loses its chance to be a cute teen romance.

• 

  Home – Review and Summary

  Desperate times call for desperate measures, and hobosexuality is always a better option than being homeless.

• 

  The Boy and the Heron (2023) – Review and Summary

  Miyazaki’s latest is as beautiful, if not more, than his last. However, it is by no means the type of character driven tales he is known for.

Images used for editorial and commentary purposes. All rights remain with their respective copyright holders.