Late Night with the Devil
Set in the 1970s, Late Night with the Devil captures a fictional live broadcast where popular talk show host Jack Delroy, played by David Dastmalchian, attempts to boost his show’s ratings with an outrageous Halloween special. As the episode unfolds, Delroy invites an unusual mix of guests, including a young girl with a haunting past and supernatural researchers, leading to a night of spine-chilling, unexpected events. As supernatural occurrences escalate, the broadcast spirals into horror, leaving both the show’s characters and audience questioning reality.
Late Night with the Devil by directors Cameron and Colin Cairnes uses a retro TV show setting to create an unnerving atmosphere that draws viewers into a slowly intensifying horror. The film’s attention to detail, from the 70s grainy footage style to shifting between black-and-white and color, sets the tone perfectly. The clever cinematography immerses audiences as if they’re watching a live broadcast unraveling in real time, a technique that intensifies the suspense, especially during the eerie "commercial breaks." David Dastmalchian’s portrayal of Jack Delroy is a highlight, conveying both desperation and a subtle descent into darkness. His character’s manipulation of a vulnerable young guest and a proposed live exorcism for ratings builds a multi-layered commentary on society's fascination with live tragedies.
The tension in *Late Night with the Devil* is amplified by practical effects and unsettling performances, particularly from young Ingrid Torelli. Her disturbing behavior throughout the live exorcism segments channels classic possession horror, drawing comparisons to *The Exorcist* but with a modern twist that keeps the storyline refreshing. The supporting cast, including Laura Gordon and Ian Bliss, helps maintain the suspense through believable reactions to increasingly terrifying phenomena.
Despite its chilling final act, some critics noted that the narrative leaves certain backstories underdeveloped, such as Delroy’s past and motivations. Nonetheless, the film succeeds in creating a memorable, horrifying experience, blending supernatural horror with a critique of exploitation in media. As the climactic moments unfold, viewers are forced to confront the lengths to which people go for fame, making *Late Night with the Devil* not just a horror movie but also a commentary on cultural fascination with live disasters.
*Late Night with the Devil* premiered at the SXSW Film Festival in 2023 and was released widely in 2024. For more on the cast and production, check out IMDb, and for additional reviews, see Flickering Myth and High on Films.
