The Devil Is on TV

Review of "Late Night with the Devil"

Photo by Marek Piwnicki on Unsplash

The suspenseful story of "Late Night with the Devil," directed by Cameron Cairnes, who is well-known for his contributions to the horror genre, keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. This film, which debuted in 2023, is a noteworthy addition to Cairnes' resume and demonstrates his skills of writing with captivating storytelling. "Late Night with the Devil'' presents a distinctive viewpoint on the human psyche and the depths of darkness that can exist within, all against the backdrop of mystery and intrigue. Fans of psychological thrillers should not miss this cinematic experience, which immerses viewers in a world of suspense, emotion and surprising turns.

For a movie set in the 70s, the influence of horror and mystique feels fresh and newly inspired. Those who are familiar with the more recent internet horror genre of "analog horror," may enjoy this movie quite a bit. Both the nostalgic feeling and graininess of this "Late Night Show" create what you would assume to be a safe environment, something that maybe you'd fall asleep to as a kid because it was boring. However, you are here in real life watching a movie listed as a Horror/Comedy, so it pays to keep your eyes peeled for when things will inevitably go south for the characters.

Rather than going for overt scares, this movie excels at developing a creep factor. The movie creates a sense of dread rather than actual jump scares at times; there's just something about it that seems strange and weird. Individuals might be able to relate that uncanny behavior to the Adult Swim shorts "Too Many Cooks" and "Unedited Footage of a Bear." They begin quite normally, and you don't really know what's off until you start to notice little details that make you uneasy. 

In "Late Night with the Devil," the acting performances are essential to the development of the characters and the story. The ensemble gives strong performances that enhance the overall impact of the movie. The lead actors portray their respective characters convincingly, showcasing their talent. Their on-screen chemistry gives the plot more depth, particularly in the more dramatic and poignant moments. Although there are some characters that could have been given more development, the actors maximize their screen time by giving their characters depth and personality. Because of the actors' compelling performances, the audience is able to relate to the characters' motivations and struggles.

"Late Night with the Devil" is a compelling thriller with excellent performances, powerful visuals and a compelling plot that thrill-seekers will appreciate.

<Star Rating>

Setting/Themes: ★★★★★

Scares: ★★★★★

Acting: ★★★★★

Overall: ★★★★★