Why ‘Attack of the Demons’ is the Must-See Movie for Lovecraft and South Park Fans!

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In an unexpected blend, H.P. Lovecraft and South Park might appear incongruous at first glance, but enthusiasts are aware that the mythical being called Cthulhu was featured in the popular comedy series during Season 14 episodes “Coon 2: Hindsight” and “Mysterion Rises.” The crab-like beings (“they resemble crabs and talk like people”) carry a distinctly Lovecraftian atmosphere. However, South Park’s humorous style stops it from delivering a genuine tribute to the late author of cosmic horror.

2019’s hand-animated film, “Attack of the Demons,” flawlessly fills this void. It showcases an artistic DIY charm reminiscent of early “South Park” episodes, yet delves into a darker, mature horror narrative that respectfully echoes H.P. Lovecraft’s works. The cherry on top? You can stream it for free.

Hell Comes to a Sleepy Town in ‘Attack of the Demons’

1994 serves as the backdrop for “Attack of the Demons“. The story revolves around three friends with distinct geeky passions – Kevin, Jeff, and Natalie. As they battle against a horde of demons summoned by a cult during a Halloween music festival in Barrington, Ontario, these passionate enthusiasts of music, video games, and movies find themselves missing the event that transforms much of the town into bloodthirsty creatures. Their interests keep them away from the throngs, leaving them as the last beacon of hope for humanity, striving to avert global catastrophe and prevent the impending apocalypse.

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but share my excitement about “Attack of the Demons,” a masterpiece created by the talented Evan Power. This remarkable artist meticulously constructs each frame by hand, using animation to breathe life into his art, short films, and full-length features. The Lovecraftian horror film, “Attack of the Demons,” is Power’s second feature, following the samurai-inspired “Path of Blood.” His latest work, a documentary titled “Papercuts – My Life as an Indie Animator,” offers a fascinating glimpse into his creative process. The film features the vocal talents of Katie Maguire, Andreas Petersen, and Thomas Petersen, who play a pivotal role in saving the world in this captivating animated adventure.

‘Attack of the Demons’ Has Roots in Cosmic Terror

Attack of the Demons” takes inspiration from H.P. Lovecraft, notably mirroring Stuart Gordon’s film adaptations of his works. This influence is seen through a blend of cosmic horror and visceral body horror. The movie also adheres to the typical structure of a Lovecraft adaptation, starting with a sense of tranquility being disrupted as an ancient evil is summoned from the depths by a cultist in a small, peaceful town using a chant. In an interview with Director’s Note, director Evan Power acknowledged this connection, which for horror cinema enthusiasts seemed more like a validation of what was already apparent.

…”In the film, there were many cinematic inspirations that spanned from the 70’s Giallos like Lamberto Bava’s ‘Demons’, to the uninhibited movies of the 80’s such as ‘Re-Animator’, ‘From Beyond’, and the 1988 version of ‘The Blob’.

This tribute, although apparent, does not diminish or devalue the overall outcome of “Attack of the Demons”. On the contrary, it offers a deliciously dark narrative of cosmic horror that will stir feelings of nostalgia among fans. Remarkably, this movie’s artisanal approach also resonates with another beloved form of entertainment from the ’90s and ’00s – “South Park”.

While It Lacks the Comedy of ‘South Park,’ ‘Attack of The Demons’ Compliments the Popular Series

Comparing “Attack of the Demons” to “South Park” might not be entirely accurate, as one is more humor-centric while the other blends drama and horror. However, they share significant similarities, particularly in their use of exceptional handcrafted animation. While “South Park” has transitioned to CGI, “Attack of the Demons” showcases intricate and detailed paper animation. This gives them a resemblance, but the dedication to traditional paper animation by Evan Power sets “Attack of the Demons” apart in today’s era where such styles are commonly digitalized.

In a similar vein, both productions share a common thread through their examination of nostalgia. “South Park” humorously portrays childhood misadventures in an exaggerated manner, while “Attack of the Demons” delves into a more mature contemplation of the past. With its ’90s setting and atmosphere, “Attack of the Demons” encapsulates the pre-internet era when millennials indulged in their offline nerdish pursuits, triggering nostalgic feelings reminiscent of the early seasons of “South Park”. Although it’s not a literal blend like “South Park meets At the Mountains of Madness“, “Attack of the Demons” skillfully combines its various influences to provide a humorous, gruesome, and nostalgically rewarding viewing experience. You can stream “Attack of the Demons” for free on Tubi, Plex, and Fandango at Home.

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2025-03-01 17:32