One of the most unique and gripping horror films in recent years
Filmed to look like a real episode of a 1970s talk show, intercut with 'behind-the-scenes' footage during the ad breaks, Late Night with the Devil is about talk show host, Jack Delroy, who, in a bid to boost his ratings, invites a girl on the show who is supposedly possessed by the devil.
From its bright colour palette and timely aspect ratio, to the way characters talk and dress, especially in front of the cameras, the film captures the '70s talk show aesthetic as well as you could imagine. And like a real talk show, the film doesn’t dive straight into the paranormal shenanigans that you presumably bought a ticket for, beginning with a couple of opening acts that only work to heighten the tension. Once the paranormal shenanigans start, however, the film only becomes more and more entertaining and frightening as you wonder how much of this is true (as I found out afterwards, none of it is true).
Given its restricted format and brisk 90-minute runtime, the film has surprisingly good character work. This is a great display for the talents of David Dastmalchian, who is able to balance the schmoozing talk show host personality with genuine human concern and scepticism. Playing opposite him for the majority of the film is Ian Bliss as a paranormal debunker, who starts off as an arrogant know-it-all but, as the scares ramp up and more is revealed about Jack Delroy, you switch sides and hope he can debunk everything.
Sporting an irregular filming style and featuring a standout performance from Dastmalchian, Late Night with the Devil is one of the most unique and gripping horror films in recent years and, like an episode of your favourite TV show, will not be leaving your mind anytime soon.
Rating: 9/10
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