PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Alright, horror hounds, and late-night talk show lovers, let’s dive into the dark depths of my cinematic soul. Found-footage horror flicks and possession movies are my jam—there’s something about that raw, shaky-cam edge that draws me in and doesn’t let go. When you stir that creepy, paranormal vibe into the mix, I’m sold. Top it off with a dollop of nostalgia from the golden age of drinking while smoking on late-night talk shows, and you’ve got a recipe for something that’s right up my alley. I am speaking, of course, about Late Night With The Devil.
When this film hit my radar, I knew it was going to be something special. This movie takes everything I love—found footage, possession, and vintage late-night talk shows—and tosses them into one wild, thrilling ride. It’s got that old-school TV charm with a wicked twist of the supernatural. Trust me, this one’s a knockout, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the beautiful poster art.
Late Night with the Devil Synopsis
A live television broadcast in 1977 goes horribly wrong, unleashing evil into the nation’s living rooms.
Late Night With The Devil is a 2023 supernatural horror film written, directed, and edited by Colin and Cameron Cairnes (100 Bloody Acres-2012). It stars David Dastmalchian (The Last Voyage of the Demeter-2023), Laura Gordon (Saw V -2008), lan Bliss (The Matrix-2003).
Incorporating elements of documentary filmmaking and found footage, the film follows the events of a late-night talk show episode aired on the night of Halloween 1977, during which the host attempts to boost ratings by inviting an allegedly possessed girl onto the show.
The Setup
Late Night With The Devil revolves around a long-lost master tape from a doomed Halloween special of *Night Owls,* a late-night talk show from the late 1970s. Jack Delroy a smooth-talking host with a slippery demeanor, facing the cancellation of his show. Desperate to save his sinking ship, he decides to pull out all the stops. To do so, he orchestrates a fright-night special featuring a psychic, a cynic, and a possessed 13-year-old girl named Lilly (Ingrid Torelli).
The live show aims to communicate with the devil on air. With this combination, what could go right? As expected, not much. The tension builds as Jack’s carefully orchestrated plans begin to unravel. The combination of the live audience’s expectations and the unpredictable events that unfold creates a mesmerizing, claustrophobic experience. The studio setting adds to the intensity, as the action is confined to the set of *Night Owls,” ratcheting up the suspense.
David Dastmalchian perfectly captures the essence of Jack Delroy, bringing depth and nuance to a character teetering on the edge of ambition and desperation. Ingrid Torelli’s portrayal of Lilly is haunting and intense, providing some of the film’s most unnerving moments. The contrast between the slick talk show host and the possessed child serves as the foundation for the eerie and chaotic journey that ensues.
The Payoff
As the show progresses, the live event quickly devolves from quirky to chaotic. Delroy’s attempts to entertain take a dark turn as the possession unfolds on live television. The atmosphere is tense, and the stakes are sky-high as Jack finds himself trapped in a situation beyond his control.
The film expertly captures the unraveling of Jack’s plans, transforming a talk show on the brink of cancellation into a terrifying spectacle. Delroy’s charming facade dissolves into panic as he faces consequences he could never have imagined. The narrative’s intensity keeps you on the edge of your seat, engrossed in the chaos and unpredictability of the live event.
The scenes where the possessed Lilly takes center stage are spine-tingling, pushing Jack and the audience deeper into an escalating nightmare. equipped with some fun conventional special effects, The live studio setting amplifies the tension, as the show becomes an exercise in damage control. Each moment feels precarious, keeping you riveted as events spiral further out of control.
Late Night With The Devil – Final Thoughts
Late Night With The Devil is a disturbed gasp of fresh air for horror fans seeking something new and exhilarating. The film keeps you on the edge of your seat without relying on cheap jump scares. Instead, it takes you through a night gone wrong, showcasing the dangers of ambition and the pursuit of fame at all costs.
Delroy’s descent into chaos is both harrowing and mesmerizing, leaving you feeling uneasy long after the credits roll. The mix of found footage and possession horror with a late-night talk show backdrop is a winning combination. The film nails the balance between suspense and chills, making it a standout in the genre.
As the final act unfolds, you’re taken on a wild ride that leaves you breathless. Delroy’s journey from a charismatic host to a man out of his depth is fascinating and disturbing. The film’s final moments are filled with panic and confusion, culminating in a satisfying and haunting climax.
If you get the chance, see it in the theater for the full immersive experience—you won’t regret it. This film bets on itself and digs deep into your psyche, leaving you feeling increasingly unsettled as the film progresses. Late Night With The Devil is a journey into the haunting world of the 1977 live show, and it’s a ride you won’t soon forget.
Late Night with the Devil is Streaming on shudder now!
Check out the trailer below.
