Imagine stumbling upon a horror flick that not only sends shivers down your spine but also outsmarts you with its clever twists—much like the groundbreaking The Blair Witch Project did back in the day. But here's where it gets controversial: Could this be the sleeper hit that redefines late-night TV horror, or is it just another spooky tale destined for cult status? If you're a fan of films that blend real fear with unexpected wit, you'll want to tune in tonight, because Late Night with the Devil is about to air on Film 4, and trust me, it's got all the ingredients for a midnight marathon you won't forget.
Released back in 2023, this diabolically chilling movie has been hailed by enthusiasts as one of the sharpest horror entries in recent years, drawing comparisons to The Blair Witch Project for its ingenious approach. At its heart is David Dastmalchian, delivering a powerhouse performance as Jack Delroy, a charismatic late-night talk show host who channels the charm of legends like Johnny Carson. His program, Night Owls, was once the go-to for insomniacs across America, providing late-night laughs and light-hearted banter. But tragedy strikes when Jack's beloved wife, Madeleine, succumbs to cancer, causing the show's ratings to plummet dramatically. And this is the part most people miss: In a desperate bid to revive his flagging career, Jack concocts a Halloween special on October 31, 1977, that's unlike anything viewers had seen before—an audacious plan to bring genuine evil right into living rooms nationwide.
What makes the film truly unsettling is its documentary-style presentation, filmed as if it's an authentic behind-the-scenes look at talk shows from that era. Right from the opening scenes, it builds an atmosphere of dread that feels almost too real, drawing you in with its gritty authenticity. Critics have been overwhelmingly positive, showering it with accolades like 'deliciously dark' and 'devillishly funny,' and it's earned a near-flawless 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. For beginners diving into horror, think of it as a mix of psychological thriller and supernatural scare-fest, where the 'found footage' style—popularized by The Blair Witch Project—adds that extra layer of immersion, making you question what's real and what's cleverly staged.
One reviewer raved that 'Late Night with the Devil evolves the legacy of horror classics before it, pushing the genre to exciting new heights—while elevating David Dastmalchian to the leading man status he more than deserves.' Another chimed in, calling it 'a sharp little horror film,' though they noted a bit of skepticism about all the 'best horror movie of 2024' buzz, given that the year wasn't even halfway through. They praised its 'spot-on recreation of both the look and the gonzo attitude of the 1970s... it's clever and it's fun.' Dastmalchian's portrayal of the troubled host Jack stood out, with critics describing the film as 'a creepy (and gorgeous) film packed with amazing performances led by David Dastmalchian. It gets under the skin as it sprints towards its mind-bending conclusion.'
Fans have echoed this enthusiasm, loving the movie's unconventional format and its documentary vibe. One said, 'I wish there were more movies like this... it was so unique and chilling and digs into the occult in Hollywood... really well done.' Another declared it 'Perfection in every way.' A third added, 'This film surpassed the expectations of a low-budget indie film made for streaming. The attention to detail, down to the way the film sounded and looked, replicated the time period. David Dastmalchian delivered a compelling yet disturbing performance that no one was prepared for.'
But here's the controversy that might divide viewers: Is this film's success a testament to fresh creativity in horror, or does its occult themes risk glorifying real-world superstitions in a way that some find unsettling? For instance, while it cleverly plays on 1970s television nostalgia, could the 'gonzo attitude' be seen as endorsing reckless experimentation on live TV? I'd love to hear your thoughts—do you think blending horror with late-night talk shows is a stroke of genius, or does it cross into territory that's just too bizarre? Drop your opinions in the comments below, and let's debate whether this could spark a new wave of found-footage flicks or if it's destined to be a niche gem.
Catch Late Night with the Devil airing on Film 4 at 11:10 PM on December 27. For the latest scoop on showbiz, TV, movies, and streaming, head over to the new Everything Gossip website for more insider buzz.
Article continues below.
