While critics and auteurs debate the mortality of cinema, one thing is obvious: Hollywood is being dominated by the resurgence of mainstream horror. Be it controversial legacy sequels like Exorcist: The Believer, the irreverence of Abigail, or the indulgence of Terrifier 3, it’s a good time to be a horror fan. You could say I have an uber appreciation for possession films. The Exorcist popped my cherry when it comes to horror films about psychic manifestations, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Today, we’re going to chit-chat about Late Night with The Devil.
On Halloween night 1977, a live broadcast of Night Owls goes horribly wrong, unleashing a sinister evil throughout each living room across the United States. With a mockumentary setup and late 70s, aesthetic, Late Night with The Devil is a slightly different take on the traditional possession film. Elevated by a thought-provoking spin on ’70s late-night TV, the film has more than a few tricks up its sleeves. Most notably, it’s clever approach of incorporating documentary elements.
Written and directed by Colin and Cameron Cairnes of 100 Bloody Acres and Scare Campaign fame, Late Night with The Devil is a captivating and oddly enchanting film delving into the depths of demonic possession.
The mockumentary begins with clips of America during the 1970s with shades of politics, violence, entertainment, and the occult. It’s a cornucopia of 70s nostalgia that sucks you right in from the start. This story focuses on late-night TV host Jack Delroy (played by David Dastmalchian) who vies to become #1 on the Nielsen ratings against the OG late-night king: Johnny Carson.
Along with many ups and downs throughout his five-year contract, Jack is faced with the turmoil of fickle TV viewers. At one point, it’s revealed Jack becomes involved in a men-only cult for the rich and the famous called The Grove (aka Bohemian Grove) hoping it will increase his chances of achieving his television dreams.
Among the off-kilter tension and horror, Late Night with The Devil manages some fun nods to some horror adjacent figures. References to Ed and Lorraine Warren (a team of demonologists famous for movies like The Conjuring, Amityville Horror, and Annabelle), Anton Szandor LaVey (Founder of the Church of Satan), and James Randi (magician, and “debunker” of paranormal phenomena) are extremely fun.
Although it has its share of spookiness, the scare factor for this gal was minimal.
First and foremost, the demon in question, “Mr. Wriggles”, doesn’t have much screen time. When he is on screen, it’s more reminiscent of a Deadite from the Evil Dead trilogy than “Captain Howdy” from The Exorcist. Lilly, the girl suffering from psychic manifestation, seems eager to bring Mr. Wriggles forward so everyone can meet him. I found that a little odd since I recall Linda Blair’s character in The Exorcist being frightened of Captain Howdy manifesting during hypnosis.
However, my main gripe comes with the inconsistency of the mockumentary side of things. Seeing as it was all but dropped, it felt a little tacked on if not completely unnecessary. I also wished they explored more of The Grove and the purpose of the demon himself. Sadly, these misguided dead ends left me seriously unfulfilled. While I didn’t need to crawl into bed with the covers over my head, I did enjoy the comforting nostalgia. And of course, David Dastmalchian was quite charming as Jack Delroy.
Late Night with The Devil isn’t a complete waste of time. But if you’re expecting a movie about yet another child suffering from demonic possession, you’re going to be sorely disappointed. It’s just not that kind of movie. With that said, I recommend watching Ghostwatch (Dir Lesley Manning, 1992). Albeit not as fun, it has a similar flare to Late Night with the Devil. Plus the plot twists are far more consistent and rewarding.
Late Night with The Devil is currently streaming on SHUDDER.