I watched Late Night with the Devil and I really liked it! 4/5
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David Dastmalchian gives an electrifying and enigmatic performance in Late Night with the Devil (2023), a horror movie set against the eerie backdrop of a 1970s late-night talk show. Directed by Colin and Cameron Cairnes, the film cleverly combines supernatural thrills with the aesthetic and energy of vintage television, creating a unique and unsettling cinematic experience. Though not without its flaws, Late Night with the Devil earns a strong 4 out of 5 stars for its inventive premise, unsettling atmosphere, and a memorable central performance that elevates the film beyond traditional genre conventions.
Set in 1977, the film centers on the charismatic talk show host Jack Delroy (played by Dastmalchian), whose late-night show is on the decline. In a bid to boost ratings, Delroy decides to air a Halloween special with a controversial twist: he brings together a group of individuals with ties to the occult, including a renowned parapsychologist, a medium, and the survivor of a possession. What starts as a standard show slowly spirals into chaos as the paranormal events become all too real. The film is structured around this fateful night, blending live TV elements with psychological horror in a way that keeps the audience on edge.
The heart of the movie lies in Dastmalchian’s portrayal of Delroy. He’s a man on the edge—desperate, charismatic, and deeply haunted by personal tragedy. Dastmalchian perfectly captures the jittery energy of a TV host losing control, not just of his show, but of reality itself. His transformation throughout the night—from confident entertainer to a man grappling with forces beyond his understanding—drives the tension of the film. Dastmalchian has always been a magnetic screen presence, but here he truly shines, balancing Delroy’s showman persona with the underlying vulnerability that gradually comes to the forefront.
Visually, Late Night with the Devil nails the 1970s aesthetic, immersing viewers in the era with spot-on set design, costumes, and even the grainy look of the footage. The attention to detail in recreating the feel of a live television broadcast is impressive, making the moments of horror feel all the more immediate. The film cleverly uses the constraints of the format to its advantage—much of the tension comes from the fact that everything is happening live, with no chance for retakes or editing. As the events escalate, there’s a palpable sense of dread, as the line between showmanship and real danger blurs.
What sets Late Night with the Devil apart from other horror films is its combination of supernatural horror with the psychological unraveling of its protagonist. As the paranormal activity ramps up, so does Delroy’s mental deterioration. The film plays with themes of grief and desperation, hinting that Delroy’s eagerness to dabble in the occult may be tied to his personal loss. This psychological dimension adds depth to the character and keeps the audience invested in his fate, even as the horror elements take center stage.
However, while the film excels in atmosphere and performance, it’s not without its shortcomings. The pacing can feel uneven at times, particularly in the first act, which takes a while to build momentum. Some of the secondary characters, including the parapsychologist and the medium, feel underdeveloped, which limits the emotional stakes of the ensemble cast. Additionally, while the climax is effective, it leans heavily on genre conventions, and some viewers may find the resolution a bit predictable.
That being said, these issues are relatively minor in the grand scheme of the film. Late Night with the Devil is an engaging and creative entry into the horror genre, one that manages to blend nostalgia with genuine scares. The film’s unique premise, combined with Dastmalchian’s compelling performance and the eerie atmosphere, makes it a standout in a crowded field of horror releases. It’s the kind of movie that lingers with you after the credits roll, leaving you questioning what’s real and what’s performance—both for the characters and for yourself as a viewer.
In conclusion, Late Night with the Devil is a chilling and atmospheric horror film that benefits from a strong central performance and a unique premise. Though it has some pacing issues and underdeveloped characters, its strengths far outweigh its flaws. For fans of psychological horror and vintage television aesthetics, this film is a must-see.