In early 2024, before horror hounds were aware we would be treated with one of the better years for horror films in recent memory, this little gem came out and set the bar, which, now in the back half of the year, is still quite hard to beat. Films like Longlegs and The First Omen will definitely be seen by the masses (wide releases with built in IP and big stars), but the horror film at the top this year, for my money, is Late Night with the Devil. Directed by Australian duo and brothers, Colin and Cameron Cairnes, this wholly original nostalgia trip strikes all the right notes. The ‘70s esthetic, lovingly crafted and displayed from the studio set to the wardrobe and hair, brings the authenticity of the live broadcast to life. The scares bring out an almost visceral response from the audience because, at times, it really feels like an episode of late-night television.
For a spoiler-free look at Late Night with the Devil, head over to EoM Contributor Joel Winstead’s initial theatrical release review.
David Dastmalchian in Colin Cairnes and Cameron Cairnes’ LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL. Photo Credit: Courtesy of IFC Films and Shudder. An IFC Films and Shudder release.
The tension that builds throughout the evening is what makes this film tick. There is a small moment, between a medium and an audience member that feels genuine and they have an emotional moment between them. Brought back to reality by the skeptic Carmichael Haig (Ian Bliss), there is back-and-forth you have in your head of trying to decide if you believe what you’re seeing. David Dastmalchian (Oppenheimer; The Suicide Squad; The Dark Knight) plays his character (Jack Delroy) so well, showing grief and loss to endearing his character to you, then showing his indiscretions and potential dabbling with the occult. Could he really have done that to his wife? His desperation and humanity all coming through, creating one of the most compelling characters to hit the screens this year.
L-R: Laura Gordon, Ingrid Torelli, David Dastmalchian, and Ian Bliss in Colin Cairnes and Cameron Cairnes’ LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL. Photo Credit: Courtesy of IFC Films and Shudder. An IFC Films and Shudder release.
In the next few paragraphs, I hope to turn the tide of some of the naysayers who complained that the film betrayed its format and stopped making sense. Far be it for me to say you are wrong for saying this, but perhaps we can find some common, unholy ground.
David Dastmalchian as Jack Delroy in LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL. Photo courtesy of Fantasia International Film Festival.
As the film takes its devilish turn, the demon that possesses Lilly (Ingrid Torelli) breaks free and enters, for lack of a better explanation, your television. This is when it morphs into a psychological horror film. We take the perspective of Jack Delroy for a few scenes, and the demons he has been running from start to chase us as well. This split fans who wanted a straight “found footage” narrative, having shots neither from the studio cameras or the quick documentary style filming that had been the norm for the rest of the film rubbed some fans the wrong way. I think it’s rather brilliant.
L-R: Ingrid Torelli and Laura Gordon in Colin Cairnes and Cameron Cairnes’ LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL. Photo Credit: Courtesy of IFC Films and Shudder. An IFC Films and Shudder release.
Throughout the evening, Jack is obviously tortured by the loss of his wife, which was through what appeared to be some sort of sacrifice at The Grove. The demon taunts Jack about this very thing, making it more and more personal. We are now watching the titular show, the Late Night with the Devil. The demon is now messing with us, the audience, as we are seeing him mess with Jack. The demonic visions Jack experiences are also being experiences by us, being possessed as viewers of the show. So, while the film does go away from its found footage premise with these scenes, it’s doing exactly what we were sold with the film’s title and the film’s great marketing campaign. By the demon showing us Jack’s visions, we get to see the consequences of the deal he made with the devil, and, as he stabs the knife into what is revealed to be Lilly, we are just as confused and horrified as Jack. A killer ending to a killer show.
L-R: : Ingrid Torelli, David Dastmalchian, and Laura Gordon in Colin Cairnes and Cameron Cairnes’ LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL. Photo Credit: Courtesy of IFC Films and Shudder. An IFC Films and Shudder release.
The brothers Cairnes (Scare Campaign) have created a sure-fire cult hit, destined to be played on many a Halloween night for years to come. It’s the perfect spooky season watch to throw on with all your friends.
For an inside look at the creative process, be sure to give a listen to the conversation between the brothers Cairnes and EoM Contributor Joel Winstead.
The home release is something that Shudder does not do very often, but this film had such a great word-of-mouth that physical release was sure to happen, and boy is it a beauty! I am fond of steelbooks in general, but when they deliver with great art, it’s just even better. Some release have the most bland steelbook art *cough* SIGNS *cough*, so it’s great seeing a company look out for the fans. And if you splurge for the limited edition, you’ll get some goodies!
The Late Night with the Devil Special Features:
- Commentary with David Dastmalchian and producer Leah Kilpatrick — A very engaged Dastmalchian relays plenty of information and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Definitely worth listening to if you’re a fan of the film or Dastmalchian.
- Q&A with Directors Colin and Cameron Cairnes — Taken after a special screening at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatre in Hollywood on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. (20:22)
- Behind the Scenes of Late Night with the Devil — Various behind-the-scenes footage of sets and special effects prosthetics; no commentary, just video. (4:11)
- “Monster Shock Theater” Live with Jack Delroy Bonus Feature — An episode meant to have aired on television leading into the Night Owls episode from the film, features several guests including Jack Delroy talking about that evening’s big Halloween episode. Great vibes. (34:15)
Exclusive to the Limited Edition Blu-Ray Steelbook:
- Night Owls Logo Air Freshener
- Autographed Photo of Jack Delroy
- “Conversations With The Devil” Bookmark
- “The Amazing Christou” Flyer
LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL limited edition steelbook packshot. Photo courtesy of IFC Films.
If you are a fan of this film, you have to get the limited edition steelbook.
Available on limited edition Blu-ray steelbook and DVD September 10th, 2024.
For more information, head to the official IFC Films Late Night with the Devil webpage.
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Categories: Films To Watch, Home Release, Recommendation
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