Late Night with the Devil, directed by the dynamic duo Cameron Cairnes and Colin Cairnes, is an intriguing addition to the horror genre that leaves you wondering what happens when television becomes a portal to the underworld. If you're here for a spine-chilling movie review, brace yourself—this one's a rollercoaster that might just crash through your TV screen.
Set in 1977, the film delves into a live television broadcast that spirals into chaos, unleashing evil into homes across the nation. Now, a quick shout-out to the genius of choosing the '70s as the backdrop—it’s nostalgic and delightfully eerie. While I was born way after the disco ball era, something about those groovy tunes and bushy sideburns screams 'supernatural.' The directors smartly weave the theme of media's influence, back when TV had three channels and families gathered around like moths to a flame—or in this case, to something far, far darker.
Performance-wise, David Dastmalchian as Jack Delroy steals the show. His charisma and intensity are as electric as the supernatural events taking over the studio. Laura Gordon lends a compelling performance, adding depth to the chaos, while Ian Bliss and Fayssal Bazzi provide solid support as eccentric guests. The screenplay, penned by the Cairnes brothers, is littered with tension—a classic sandbox of suspense that never lets up. The cinematography plays with shadows and light, evoking that classic '70s horror vibe, akin to being in a dimly lit bar with a killer soundtrack. Hats off to the directors for crafting such a visually tight experience.
Comparing this film to other best horror movies like 'The Exorcist' or more modern tales like 'Hereditary,' I'd say it carves out its niche quite boldly. Where 'The Exorcist' terrified a generation with head-spinning possession, Late Night with the Devil capitalizes on the sinister potential lurking within the seemingly mundane act of watching TV. The Cairnes brothers appear to have drawn inspiration from those classics, yet they infuse the film with their unique storytelling flair, blending the slow-burn horror and sudden frights like a perfect cocktail—or a match-made nightmare.
If horror courses through your veins like a lifeline, this film is a must-watch. While some might argue the pacing stutters here and there or that the storyline leaps through a few weird hoops (honestly, which horror film doesn’t?), it's an engaging cinematic masterpiece that demands attention. Roll up, turn off the lights, and if you dare, witness as Jack Delroy battles both his inner demons and those he unwittingly broadcasts into our homes. Now that's a film critique worth pondering.