Exploring the Chilling World of "Late Night with the Devil" (2023)

Late Night with the Devil," directed by Colin and Cameron Cairnes, is a 2023 supernatural horror film that blends the eerie atmosphere of 1970s late-night television with spine-chilling horror. Set in 1977, the movie stars David Dastmalchian as Jack Delroy, the host of a fictional late-night talk show called "Night Owls." The plot revolves around a disastrous live broadcast on Halloween night that unleashes a malevolent force into viewers' homes. Plot Summary The story takes place a year after the tragic death of Delroy's wife, Madeleine. Struggling with declining ratings, Delroy decides to stage a sensational Halloween special in an attempt to revive his show. The special features a parapsychologist (played by Laura Gordon), a psychic (Fayssal Bazzi), and a teenage survivor of a satanic cult’s mass suicide (Ingrid Torelli). The live broadcast quickly spirals out of control, leading to terrifying supernatural events that grip the nation. Unique Filmmaking Approach "Late Night with the Devil" is notable for its use of a found-footage style, designed to mimic a long-lost television broadcast. This approach enhances the film’s authenticity and immerses the audience in the era's vintage TV vibe. The Cairnes brothers meticulously recreated the 1970s talk show aesthetic, complete with era-appropriate set designs and practical effects, including puppetry and limited use of AI-generated imagery (Wikipedia) (Late Night with the Devil). Critical Acclaim The film premiered at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival in March 2023 and was met with positive reviews. It boasts a high approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where critics have praised its innovative blend of horror and nostalgia, as well as Dastmalchian's compelling performance as the beleaguered talk show host (Wikipedia) (Late Night with the Devil). Variety highlighted the film's distinctive mix of vintage showbiz elements and supernatural horror, commending both the writing and direction by the Cairnes brothers (Wikipedia). Box Office and Release "Late Night with the Devil" had a successful theatrical run, earning $2.8 million on its opening weekend in North America. The film was later released on streaming platforms like Shudder, where it continued to attract horror enthusiasts (Late Night with the Devil). Why You Should Watch "Late Night with the Devil" If you're a fan of horror films that offer more than just jump scares, "Late Night with the Devil" is a must-watch. Its unique setting and historical context provide a fresh take on possession horror, while the strong performances and meticulous production design ensure a gripping viewing experience. Whether you're drawn to the retro charm of 1970s television or the thrill of supernatural horror, this film delivers on both fronts.