I’ve often wondered, with the films we consider established classics today, did audiences back then know what they were viewing would be revered decades later?
If it is possible to make such a prediction, I’m going to be bold and say that ‘Late night with the Devil’ is surely a modern classic. Everything about this movie is so on point its as impressive from a creative and technical perspective as it is purely entertaining.
The film’s plot double downs on its concept, in that what we are viewing is found footage from a long forgotten 70s TV talk show which, in a clamour for ratings, features footage of a possessed girl and an interview of sorts with the demon who inhabits her.
Needless to say, things don’t end well.
The film is the entire ‘lost’ episode and includes other obscure guests from an eccentric spiritual medium, a sceptic and of course the possessed girl and her psychiatrist. As the show was aired ‘live’ we see footage from the audience when the show is in commercial breaks and the ‘behind the scenes’ elements as the drama unfolds in the ‘live’ show.
I cannot over hype the authenticity of the films concept. The fashion, the film its shot on, the aspect ratio, the mannerisms of the cast; there’s even title cards and a live band in play. The characters to, act and react as if they’ve worked together forever, and there’s tension regarding the shows imminent cancellation which adds a layer of atmosphere before the supernatural proceedings even start.
The acting is phenomenal – incredible performances all round. The characters have so many layers to them, and you really have to pay attention to the exposition as it comes rather cryptically to get the full grasp of what’s unfolding.
The supernatural elements of the movie work to genre tropes, but all stick within the shows concept. Given the 70s, there’s a more ‘trippy’ vibe to proceedings than it is flat out horrific, but as things escalate towards the movies mesmerising climax the violence and gore also ramp up.
Typically, at this part of the review I would find something to balance my critique, however, there truly isn’t too much to fault. At a push I’d say even after a few watches, the ending is a bit confusing, but I think that’s the intent, and I suppose if you really want to nitpick there were elements of the films plot twist that were somewhat telegraphed if you are watching for it, but honestly, that’s all I got.
Overall ‘Late night with the Devil’ is as good as a concept movie as I’ve seen. It’s a perfect movie for any film evening as it’s got something of a broad appeal whilst its ending will satiate any hardened fans of horror. I’ve watched it quite a few times through now and I honestly, I can’t past just how authentic it feels. Highly recommended.
