Chris Gorak’s debut feature-length film, Right at Your Door, is an interesting look into post-9/11 America’s obsession (and paranoia) towards terrorism. During a typical weekday morning, a dirty bomb goes off in the middle of Los Angeles and spreads about a cloud of terror. Caught in the middle of traffic is Lexi (Mary McCormack), who was on her way to work when the bomb blew. At home, Brad (Rory Cochrane), hears about it on the news and panics. What became of his wife?

He leaves his house and frantically tries to head into the city. The authorities are everywhere though, blocking off roads and sending people back to their homes. He returns to his house and listens to the news. People are to stay in their homes and seal any opening with tape or plastic. It’s the kind of scenario that’s been painted many times in various political speeches and television news shows.

Lexi makes it back to the house hours later, after it’s sealed. Brad is faced with a predicament… should he break the seal to let her in, possibly containing himself with whatever toxic disease could be spreading? Or should he just leave her out there to wait for help? He chooses the latter, a decision that surprises both of them.

Right at Your Door provides a very tense experience for its short, 96-minute runtime; however, it still ends up letting you down. It’s not nearly as paranoid as it tries to be. The decision to leave his wife outside is bold step that seems to easy. It’s a conflicting situation with a rather simple execution. Cochran gives a rather subdued performance, considering the circumstances, whereas McCormack executes with a little more fury. You find yourself believing her enough to raise the quality of the picture.

Gorak gives a rather detailed commentary about the world of independent financing. He even dedicates an entire special feature, entitled “Film School: Tips on Making an Independent with Chris Gorak”, provides exactly what the title suggests. Also included are a few alternate ending scripts and another interview with the director. Right at Your Door is definitely worth a rental if anything.