As a horror enthusiast with a penchant for all things paranormal and a soft spot for period pieces, I must say that “Late Night with the Devil” has left me utterly spellbound. The film’s intricate narrative, set against the backdrop of Halloween 1977, transports us to a time when fear of the supernatural was at its zenith – a time I fondly remember as my own adolescence.
If you’re a horror fanatic searching for an exceptional movie this Halloween, I highly recommend “Late Night with the Devil“, one of the top-rated genre films of 2024. This production masterfully captures the essence of a 1970s TV talk show using meticulous attention to detail. The plot revolves around a desperate late-night talk show host who resorts to drastic measures, including staging a live, on-air exorcism for global spectators.
Experiencing the jarring tension of a live TV broadcast alongside the unsettling enigma of whether the televised exorcism is authentic, Late Night with the Devil offers a darkly entertaining game of psychological manipulation for its viewers. Enhanced by exceptional special effects that escalate in brutality and creepiness as the narrative unfolds, any horror enthusiast should savor Late Night with the Devil this Halloween on Hulu.
Late Night with the Devil’s Premise, Explained
Under the guidance of Australian filmmaking duo Cameron and Colin Cairnes, the movie titled “Late Night with the Devil” combines historical authenticity with the conventions of found-footage genre. The story unfolds on Halloween night of 1977, revolving around Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian), a flamboyant and vintage late-night TV show host who struggles against competitors like Johnny Carson. However, his show, “Night Owls,” is temporarily halted following the tragic death of his wife from cancer.
Following this, Jack devises an unconventional Halloween special to increase viewership of his talk show before it gets canceled by the network. The special is presented as a rediscovered episode of Night Owls, where the story unfolds around a 13-year-old girl named Lilly D’Abo (played by Ingrid Torelli). Lilly appears to be possessed by an evil spirit known as Mr. Wiggles, according to her parapsychologist, June Ross-Mitchell (portrayed by Laura Gordon). The audience is informed that Lilly is the sole survivor of a mass suicide orchestrated by a Satanic cult leader named Szandor D’Abo (played by Steve Mouzakis), who was known for worshipping the demon Abraxas.
In June’s broadcast, Lilly’s tale unfolds, subtly demonstrating her apparent demonic possession on air. The exceptional Australian horror film immerses viewers in the late-night TV atmosphere with impeccable period authenticity. At its finest, the movie confounds the central enigma to keep audiences guessing. Skeptical of Lilly’s possession is Carmichael Haig (Ian Bliss), a talk-show panelist who has mastered creating illusions through smoke and mirrors, challenging the claim.
While I’m diligently unraveling Lilly’s supposed demonic possession, Delroy battles to maintain a semblance of control over his show, preventing it from spiraling into a globally-televised spectacle of extreme violence. Simultaneously, the esteemed TV medium Christou (Fayssal Bazzi) serves as a bridge between skeptics and believers, intensifying the captivating central enigma.
Late Night with the Devil Earns Top Reviews For 2024
In 2024, not many horror movies have garnered as much critical acclaim as “Late Night with the Devil“, making it a must-watch this Halloween. With a staggering 97% Certified Fresh Rotten Tomatoes rating (based on 229 reviews), the general consensus is, “Dark and delightful, Late Night with the Devil demonstrates that possession horror is far from tired – and provides an exceptional platform for David Dastmalchian’s performance.
The production design of the ’70s talk show atmosphere and the stylish incorporation of found footage techniques in the movie are praised in numerous critical reviews. Variety commented that the film stands out due to a unique blend of retro Me Decade showbiz kitsch and Exorcist-like supernatural elements, skillfully managed by the [Cairnes] brothers as both writers and directors…this innovative high-concept approach is expected to boost the filmmakers’ reputation, potentially attracting offers from Hollywood.
Similarly, Film Threat’s Alan Ng beams:
Though the authenticity of that vintage TV show might not deliver heart-stopping scares, the movie remains an absolute joy to behold. The special effects are a delight, mostly practical and well executed. The Cairnes brothers seem more focused on providing amusement rather than instilling fear, which some might find disappointing. But let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good laugh?
Through its intricate plot development, meticulous period setting, and convincing special effects, Dastmalchian’s acting offers a direct window for viewers to experience the chilling events as they happen in real-time. The more gruesome events that are broadcasted, the more Delroy struggles with his conscience, torn between stopping the evil at its source or allowing it to continue for the sake of rising ratings. As Brian Tallerico remarks through Roger Ebert:
David Dastmalchian delivers another outstanding performance, skillfully maintaining the film’s balance between being charmingly smooth yet endearingly authentic – a trait that was prevalent in ’70s popular culture.
Total Film heaps extra praise on Dastmalchian, adding:
Dastmalchian steals the spotlight portraying Delroy, entertaining the live audience as chaos ensues. Simultaneously, he relishes in the knowledge that he’s orchestrated a TV spectacle of unprecedented magnitude. Meanwhile, the filmmakers skillfully insert some quite shocking twists.
Late Night with the Devil Is a Perfect Halloween Watch
Overlooking its sinister plotline, stellar acting, meticulous period decor, and convincing special effects, “Late Night with the Devil” is an ideal watch for Halloween enthusiasts. The narrative unfolds on the eve of Halloween in 1977 – a year prior to John Carpenter’s iconic slasher film release – and capitalizes on the lingering suspense generated by “The Exorcist,” which had left a lasting impact as a cultural phenomenon only a few years earlier. The pervasive sense of supernatural terror makes for an eerily authentic backdrop for this chilling tale to resonate with the fears of that time.
As a movie enthusiast, let me tell you that the climactic scene in “Late Night with the Devil” is a delightfully dark triumph, relishing in its accumulated suspense and tension. There’s a devilish wit to the gory violence, a morbid humor that satirizes even the most skeptical characters on the talk show. It also toys with the audience’s perceptions of Lilly’s possession, making us question what’s real and what’s staged. The Cairnes always seem to stay one step ahead, leading us into a jaw-dropping finale that leaves us utterly amazed.
With its innovative storytelling structure, eerie Halloween ambiance, convincing acting, and captivating suspense as we ponder if Lilly is genuinely possessed, “Late Night with the Devil” serves as a genuine cinematic delight for horror enthusiasts this Halloween. At the very least, it underscores that Cameron and Colin Cairnes are skilled filmmakers worthy of attention in future projects.
Late Night With the Devil is available to stream on Hulu.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-10-29 03:31