When it comes to "late Night with the Devil", let me just start off by saying, I think we finally have our first great horror film of the year! This coming from a guy who doesn’t fancy possession films all that much. With that being said, I was a pretty big fan of this unique take on a worn out concept.
The trailer left me curious and excited for something I have seen a hundred times... a young girl possessed by a demon, and thats saying something. But this film is much more than that. The real focus is on its charismatic, charming, and entertaining host of a late night talk show Jack Delroy, played by David Dastmalchian.
Jack is navigating through life as a recently widowed husband, the host of a now plummeting tv show, and desperately looking for a way to get back to the top. on Halloween night he decides to air a live seance with a demonic presence who resides inside a teenage girl.
This film is shot exactly like a late night talk show, which i absolutely loved! I will say, it was a little odd viewing it in a theater for me. It was similar to the feeling of just watching television in a movie theater, but I did really enjoy the change in cinematography and the amazing 1970s tv feel. Another thing I would like to highlight is the addition of real life characters and groups in the story.
Even though they changed the names and a few small details, us, the audience, most certainty gets it I believe. I also want to point out the steller performances by the cast. Especially David Dastmalchian, Ian Bliss, and Ingrid Torelli, who, by the way, does creepy possessed girl really good! This was also the first film I have seen by directors Cameron and Colin Cairnes. I was definitely impressed, and will be on the look out for their future projects.
I would say, if you are looking for your standard possession film, where there is a priest reading from a bible, and girl restrained to her bed. This may not be your cup of tea, But if you want something new, exciting, and where the occupied soul is not the center of the story. Definitely give this film a go! I really enjoyed it and had such a good time. If I had to sum is up in one sentence, I would say its a little bit of the Exorcist sprinkled into a Tales From the Crypt episode.
Late Night with the Devil hits Shudder/AMC+ April 19th.
-Chris Lowe, Host of The Grindhouse Syndicate: A Horror Movie Podcast
