‘Late Night with the Devil’ Review – Hypnotically Hellacious Horror
How far will one man go for ratings? In the latest release from Shudder, the answer is to Hell and back – although he might not make it that far.
The horror film Late Night with the Devil written and directed by The Cairnes Brothers, Colin and Cameron Cairnes is a faux documentary about the fictitious late-night talk show “Night Owls,” hosted by Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian, The Suicide Squad), and documents its sweeps week in 1977.
The ratings for Night Owls have been slipping, and Jack’s contract is on the verge of not being renewed.
He plans a Hail Mary in the form of a Halloween-themed episode filled with performers who can talk to the dead (Christou, played by Fayssal Bazzi), a former magician turned paranormal debunker (Carmichael Haig played by Ian Bliss), and a young girl (Lilly D’Abo played by Ingrid Torelli) who was the sole survivor of a demonic cult that poured gasoline on themselves and lit themselves on fire.
Jack plans to save his show by any means necessary while putting his entire staff in danger without realizing it when he showcases a form of evil that has never graced (for lack of a better word) live television.
This movie is already sparking some controversy but not in the way you might think. Most conversations around Late Night with the Devil have been about its use for AI.
Many artists and individuals against AI have boycotted the film entirely because “We’ll Be Right Back” title cards are AI-generated for three cutaway sequences that may last a total of 30 seconds at most.
As a low-budget film, the convenient technology makes sense, especially in a time crunch. But any artist could have done those three images for a reasonable amount. Regardless of how you feel about AI, Late Night with the Devil is still worth checking out because it offers much more through its flashback/inside baseball storytelling.
Much of the events in the past and behind the scenes during commercial breaks are presented in color, while the rest of the film is cleverly in black and white. The show itself is treated like a character unto itself and given depth.
We’re told Night Owls debuted on April 4, 1971, with former radio host turned TV talk show host Delroy behind the desk. The show eventually gained an audience with a five-year deal, and Jack got an Emmy nomination, but he was always in Johnny Carson’s shadow.
In 1976, Jack’s wife was diagnosed with lung cancer. She appears on the show, which results in the best ratings it has ever received. Sadly, she succumbed to her illness two weeks later.
To add some secret-society nuttery to the mix, Jack may also be associated with The Grove, a men’s-only club in California’s redwoods, whose members are said to participate in orgies and other strange rituals, as well as wearing some neato hooded robes.
After about eight minutes of the history of Night Owls and Jack Delroy, the film switches gears and shows the entire episode from Halloween 1977.
The film’s formula is an intriguing one that is a slow build. You feel like a member of the studio audience watching this talk show where everything hits the fan uncensored.
The film plays with whether what you witness is happening or an elaborate ruse. You also question whether Jack wants to save his show or is relying on the powers of The Grove to push him further into the realms of success at the price of his soul.
The film cleverly relies on practical effects and puppetry in certain scenes, and it’s glorious. The sequence near the end of the film involves worms and is disgustingly great.
The finale goes for this apocalyptic yet cerebral and phantasmagoric terror out of Fulci we haven’t seen in a horror film in a while – at least in The West.
Late Night with the Devil constantly plays with what viewers believe occurs in reality, and it absolutely has them in the palm of its hand.
It’s so strange that it’s taken fifteen years (his first feature film credit is The Dark Knight) for David Dastmalchian to get a leading role. His nuanced performance involves almost breaking down during interviews about his late wife.
You’re left deciphering if Delroy is sincere or if it’s simply a circus routine by a desperate guy trying to save his meal ticket. Dastmalchian juggles sleaze and mesmerizing agony with a brilliantly subtle grace.
Late Night with the Devil is one of the best horror films of 2024, anchored by a genuine performance, impressive special effects, and a story that is as fascinating as it is unsettling.
NEXT: ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ Review – A Fun and Flavorful Animated Sequel
Late Night with the Devil (2024), IFC Films
PROS
- David Dastmalchian
CONS
- Can be a little slow
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