About the film (courtesy of IFC Films):
October 31, 1977. Johnny Carson rival Jack Delroy hosts a syndicated late night talk show ‘Night Owls’ that has long been a trusted companion to insomniacs around the country. A year after the tragic death of Jack’s wife, ratings have plummeted. Desperate to turn his fortunes around, Jack plans a Halloween special like no other, unaware that he is about to unleash evil into the living rooms of America.
Late Night With the Devil offers a chilling twist to your standard found footage horror film. This descent into madness begins with an innocuous late-night talk show, where washed-up host Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian) finds himself in a desperate bid for survival—and sensationalized ratings—in the neon-soaked heart of 1977.
From its opening moments, the film establishes a convincing, almost documentary-like atmosphere. Through carefully crafted vintage aesthetics and a grainy visual style, we are immediately immersed in a world of wood-paneled sets and kitschy sidekicks. The Cairnes brothers, who both write and direct, skillfully capture the essence of low-budget 70s television.
Dastmalchian’s performance is the beating heart of this possessed production. He masterfully portrays Jack’s transformation from a man clinging to his last vestige of fame to a terrified victim trapped in his own studio – a studio rapidly descending into chaos. His slow-burn unraveling is a riveting journey to watch.
However, what truly sets Late Night With the Devil apart is its clever use of the found footage format. In its early stages, the film feels almost satirical, skewering the absurdity of late-night television. Yet, as supernatural events begin to infiltrate the broadcast, the found footage element becomes a powerful tool. The shaky camera work and occasional glitches lend a chilling authenticity to the growing fear permeating the set.
As the film spirals into its second act, the horror ramps up, with the studio turning into a demonic playground. The film leans heavily into practical effects, a refreshing change in today’s CGI-heavy landscape. Some creature designs are truly nightmarish. Yet, it’s the psychological horror that leaves the most lasting impression. The confined setting and mounting dread transform the talk show into a claustrophobic battleground between good and evil.
While Late Night With the Devil isn’t without its flaws – some pacing issues in the middle portion, and an ending that may feel a bit rushed – it ultimately excels as a unique and unsettling horror experience. The film deftly balances humor and terror. Dastmalchian is superb and the way the film subverts the familiar talk show format to deliver unexpected scares is thrilling. The only real bummer is that its final five minutes (which felt one of the less-enjoyable segments contained in the V/H/S horror anthology franchise) or so does not provide a satisfactory ending to what was carefully crafted during the film’s first 85 minutes.
If you’re a fan of found footage horror with a healthy dose of wicked humor and a dash of 70s nostalgia, Late Night With the Devil is a twisted treat that won’t disappoint. So much of the presentation feels truly authentic which makes for a pretty entertaining ride.
Late Night With the Devil is a clever, unnerving thrill ride that demonstrates the enduring power of the found footage genre when used with ingenuity and a flair for the macabre. You can catch this one in select theaters starting this Friday, March 22 in several cities (including Metro Detroit) around the country. If you aren’t in one of the cities playing this feature, the film will begin streaming on Shudder starting April 19.
