"Late Night with the Devil" is a masterfully crafted horror movie that blends with dark comedy perfectly.
IFC Films
Director: Colin Cairnes, Cameron Cairnes
Rating: 8.5/10
"Late Night with the Devil" is a masterfully crafted horror movie that blends with dark comedy perfectly. Directed by Cameron and Collin Cairnes, the movie transports audiences to a time when late-night talk shows were the most anticipated program for many Americans before they slumber, even today this has since then become iconic in the cultural memory. The movie stars David Dastmalchian as Jack Delroy, a charismatic and charming TV show host, who once reigned this nocturnal roost with his show "Night Owls." However, after the sudden tragic death of his wife, Madeleine, his career and personal life started to spiral and plummeted to death. In his last effort to salvage his show and career, Delroy held a Halloween special on October 31st, 1977, that he thought would stun the nation and revive his career. Unbeknownst to him, this unfortunate event will do more damage to his life than revive his show and career.
The brilliance of the movie lies in its perfect execution of its elements, it blends horror and dark comedy within its storytelling through mockumentary. This approach gives the film an authenticity that is effective and palpable. The recreation of a '70s late-night show is realized with such precision that allows the viewers to have an immersive experience, with its attention to detail from lighting and camera angles to the inclusion of break bumpers, gives an illusion to the audiences that they are indeed watching a broadcast show and it's behind the scene. The use of black-and-white cinematography as a distinction from the live show and its behind-the-scenes is a narrative masterstroke as this allows us to peel back the curtain on the character's true selves, especially for Jack Delroy. This element adds a layer of depth to his character and the totality of the story. It is in these candid moments that the audience can truly connect with Jack Delroy, whose grief and desperation become visible during the commercial breaks. These black-and-white scenes contradict the characters' polished facade when the cameras are rolling, creating a tension that is both unsettling and compelling.
David Dastmalchian's performance is a masterclass in duality as he captures the essence of a man at the end of his rope. His transition from a charismatic and charming talk show host to a broken and desperate widow is both terrifying and spectacular. The nuanced acting elevates the film as it allows the audience to discover the full spectrum of Delroy's emotional journey and his intentions for his actions.
The film uses a 4:3 aspect ratio that adds ingenuity as it enhances the claustrophobic feel as the horror unfolds right before the eyes of the audience. These elements allow the movie to create constrained visual traps, making the viewers as unwilling participants as the show descends into madness. The movie starts with a 5-minute voiceover which is a pivotal introduction as it provides the historical context necessary to understand what's at stake for Delroy and his need to survive his show. This narrative device cleverly avoids heavy-handed exposition, instead offering a quick and enough background that helps the audience to grasp the sacrifices and efforts Delroy has made for his show, this also gives appetite to the viewers as the movie progresses.
One of the highlights of the movie is its gradual and slow build-up, which allows for insightful character development and ambiguity. The introduction of characters adds a layer to its narrative, coupled with the presence of a skeptic man who challenges supernatural believers, creating a dynamic relationship between the characters and the story itself. The addition of this character cleverly plays the audience's own skepticism, blurring the line between reality and illusion. This results in an uneasy feeling that lingers with the viewers long after the credit rolls as the audience is left alone with the question as to whether the situation is real or not. This is a testament to the writers' power to enhance the narrative by creating an atmosphere of horror that does not rely upon cheap jumpscares.
Despite its strength, the movie is met with massive criticism due to its brief usage of an AI-generated image as the breakbumps. Ethically, the implications of AI in art are worthy of debate, considering that we're in the midst of a strike, but this minor component in the movie should not overshadow its overall quality and accomplishments. Given that the movie only has a $2 million budget, the use of AI may not be necessary, but it's disappointing to see that this small aspect has become a focal point for some viewers to detract from the film's artistry and storytelling. The ability of "Late Night with the Devil" to create an immersive, authentic '70s atmosphere, to build tension without cheap scares, and to captivate an audience with its dark humor and horror should be at the forefront of discussions. In the end, "Late Night with the Devil" should be celebrated for what it is: a creative, atmospheric journey into a bygone era, conjured with a contemporary twist.
In conclusion, "Late Night with the Devil" is a horror film that stands out for its commitment to atmosphere and psychological horror. It is a film that should be recognized for its clever direction; smart execution and element choices; exceptional performances; and as a cinematic horror experience. If you long for a horror movie that is thoughtful and character-driven storytelling, this film is a must-watch. It is a rare gem that proves horror can be as much about what is suggested and felt as what is seen, and it deserves to be evaluated on its own considerable merits. "Late Night with the Devil" emerges as a special kind of horror masterpiece, one that understands that the most profound scares are often those that are hinted at and linger in the heart, rather than those simply seen with the eyes. It's a film that should be valued for the unique and substantial impact it brings to the table.
