PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Midnight Devils is a film I have been following since its pre-production when it was being billed as “Reservoir Dogs meets Evil Dead.” Since those are two of my favorite films, Midnight Devils is a film I was greatly interested in. Recently, I was given the chance to check out Midnight Devils ahead of its upcoming DVD and Blu-ray release. Here are my thoughts.
Midnight Devils is the latest film from writers/directors Abel Berry and Jennifer Stone (Blood Sombrero 2016). The films stars both Berry and Stone, along with Michael Berryman (The Hills Have Eyes 1977 – read our retro review here), Alan Rowe Kelly (I’ll Bury You Tomorrow 2002), Billy Blair (Blood Sombrero 2016), Frederic Doss (Dead Sea 2014), and Paula Solinger (Blood Sombrero 2016).
Synopsis:
Southern folklore and ’80s horror collide in this blood-soaked thrill ride. Two girls, Diem and Uri, steal a suitcase full of cash and hide in an abandoned cabin. Just as drug dealers track them down, an ancient evil is unleashed within the cabin. Now they must fight to survive until dawn.
Midnight Devils is film that wears its influences on its sleeve, while still feeling like its own thing. The Evil Dead influence is evident, although Ash doesn’t fight a giant horned beast slaughtering people at will. Speaking of creatures, that is one of the film’s greatest strengths. In spite of Midnight Devils’ obvious low budget, the makeup effects are solid and the creature, the Wendigo, is an imposing, pretty damn impressive presence. There are also some possessed people who are genuinely creepy, partially due to appearance and partially due to the fucked up sounds they make. There is also a pretty nasty looking witch played by Alan Rowe Kelly (I’ll Bury You Tomorrow 2002). If I had one very minor complaint about the effects of the film, it’s that I wish the kills were a little more varied, but given the budget, it’s understandable. However, the film has some surprising deaths, as some of the characters you expect to die don’t and vice versa.
The cast does a good job. Though he doesn’t have a whole lot to do, it’s cool to see Michael Berryman play a kindly old grandpa, a big departure from the roles he’s usually is cast in. Jennifer Stone and Paula Solinger make a great team as badasses Diem and Uri. Billy Blair as Caleb is a weird character, as his motivations aren’t entirely clear, but he’s definitely involved in some dark shit. Abel Berry’s Royce is a dick, but he’s a pretty likable one, and he plays it well.
Midnight Devils also has an awesome score. I would definitely buy a copy if it was released.
Final Thoughts
In spite of limited means, Midnight Devils is a indie horror film that delivers excellent creature effects, a killer score and some genuinely shocking and unsettling moments. If you are a fan of low budget indie horror and/or supernatural horror then I recommend you give Midnight Devils a watch.
