“Late Night with the Devil” presents a captivating blend of reality and fiction, anchored by the unsettling premise of a possessed young girl captivating a live studio audience.
As the documentary unfolds, viewers are introduced to Jack Delroy, the host of “Night Owls with Jack Delroy,” whose past experiences hint at supernatural connections, particularly through his involvement with “The Grove” and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his wife’s death.
Delroy’s desperation to revive his struggling show adds tension to the Halloween episode, where the appearance of a parapsychologist.
June Ross and survivor of a Satanic cult’s mass suicide, Lilly, promises to reignite viewer interest.
The film’s retro ’70s aesthetics and standout performances, notably from lead actor David Dastmalchian, immerse viewers in the era while adding visual and sonic depth to the narrative.
However, despite its promising setup, “Late Night with the Devil” ultimately falls short in fully exploring its demonic angle, opting for a familiar narrative trajectory that fails to push boundaries or offer fresh insights.
One missed opportunity lies in the film’s brief exploration of the ’80s Satanic panic, a period marked by hysteria and media sensationalism surrounding allegations of Satanic rituals and cult activity.
While the introduction of Lilly and her connection to the cult briefly touches on this phenomenon, the narrative fails to fully capitalize on its potential, leaving audiences craving deeper exploration and a more nuanced examination of the cultural context.
Moreover, while the film hints at potential brutality, particularly through Lilly’s ominous warnings to Delroy, the actual carnage remains disappointingly restrained.
Despite the promise of a chaotic and potentially deadly Halloween episode, the body count ultimately amounts to only a handful of casualties, failing to deliver on the expectations set by the film’s R-rating.
Controversy surrounds the filmmakers’ admission of using artificial intelligence (AI) in production, particularly in the creation of three images used as interstitials for commercial breaks.
While the Cairnes brothers claim that AI was only employed for these specific instances, doubts linger over the extent of its usage and potential impact on the film’s overall aesthetic and storytelling.
Verdict
“Late Night with the Devil” offers an engaging watch for fans of supernatural themes and retro aesthetics, with standout performances and an intriguing premise.
However, its failure to fully explore its demonic angle, coupled with missed opportunities for deeper thematic exploration and restrained brutality, leave the film feeling somewhat underwhelming.
“Late Night with the Devil” is currently streaming on Shudder.
