PopHorror Let's Get Scared
For awhile now, IFC Midnight has been pushing out quality horror films that entertain a variety of different subgenres, and I’m a huge fan of what they’re doing. They’ve already released two amazing horror stories this year, so I couldn’t wait to check out I Trapped the Devil, especially after knowing it took place at Christmas! Plus, the killer images and trailer sold the film for me.
This is the debut feature film from writer and director Josh Lobo. The cast includes AJ Bowen (You’re Next, The House of the Devil), Susan Burke (Southbound), and Scott Poythress (The Signal).
Synopsis for I Trapped the Devil
Christmas is supposed to be a time for peace and joyful family reunions. But when Matt (Bowen) and his wife Karen (Burke) show up unannounced at the home of his estranged brother Steve (Poythress) to celebrate the holidays, they are instead greeted with a horrifying surprise: trapped in the basement is a man. But not just any man.
Steve believes that his hostage is none other than the devil himself. As shock and skepticism turn to fear and paranoia, Matt and Karen find themselves facing a terrifying quandary: is Steve dangerously unhinged? Or could the mysterious stranger really be evil incarnate? Either way, the stage is set for a true Christmas from hell.
This one is definitely a horror thriller that will send chills down your spine and make you question your next impromptu visit with family. You never know what you’re going to walk in on, or what crazy shenanigans your family will be up to. I would have left the moment the crazy started pouring out of my brother’s mouth… well, probably not, but any sane person would. Mad props to Bowen’s wife for sticking around.
I Trapped the Devil plays cleverly with your head from beginning to end. You never are really sure what is going and if what you’re seeing is real. Could this guy really have trapped the devil? Or is he just insane? Is any of this really happening? This is a film that will make you second your guess your assumptions, and I love stories like that.
Although I did enjoy the film, I wish there would have been more action and less talk. The majority of I Trapped The Devil is spent following the brother as he’s trying to convince everyone that he’s telling the truth, that he really did, in fact, trap evil. It gets a bit drawn out. I would have loved more interaction with the mystery in the basement and more explanation as to what was going on. I do realize, in this particular case, that it was their intent to let viewers’ minds wander and for the end to be open to interpretation. However, I can’t help but have questions, even though the end was a nice, little, unexpected treat.
The soundtrack for I Trapped The Devil was top notch as well. It really fit the tone of the film and helped bring that dark, sinister atmosphere that the filmmakers were trying to capture, the dread that everyone was feeling. This is definitely a soundtrack I’d hunt down and listen to on a cold, dreary day.
Final Thoughts
I Trapped the Devil premiered at several different festivals and received quite of praise that I think is well deserved. Although the film didn’t shake me to my core, it had some truly sinister moments that made me question everything. Starting today, April 26th, it is now in select cinemas and On Demand, so be sure to check it out and let us know us what you think of this maddening story.
