A THRILLING LATE NIGHT WITH DAVID DASTMALCHIAN
Movie Review – Late Night with the Devil
Review by Ray Schillaci
IFC could be best described as the runner up to A24, continuing to usher in exceptional creative content and displaying the works of some true artists. After all, it was IFC that introduced us to the Oscar-winning Boyhood and several fine art films including Frances Ha and Cave of Forgotten Dreams. They are willing to take chances with newcomers as they did with Christopher Nolan’s first film, Following. IFC also is not one to shirk from controversy as they proved with Lars von Trier’s unrated Antichrist. At the same time, they have released notable comedies, documentaries, foreign films and especially horror.
They have proven to be nearly as strong of a contender in that genre as with A24. Just mentioning a short list is impressive enough; The Babadook, The Autopsy of Jane Doe, Sputnik, The Innocents, and, what IGN dubbed in 2023, “One of the meanest, most sadistic, unrelenting depictions of evil you’ll see all year,” When Evil Lurks. Which brings us to 2024 and IFC delivering a demonic one-two punch with the sardonic horror show, Late Night with the Devil.
The writing/directing team of Colin and Cameron Cairnes have crafted a doozy of a tale, taking us back to the nostalgic ‘70s and into the brief history of a successful late night variety talk show, Night Owls with Jack Delroy. The show never quite beats the ratings champion The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, but it proves to have strong legs. Jack appears to be the talk of the town, meeting with celebrities, politicians and getting invited to The Grove, an elite California camp for men practicing occult rituals.
But, after several seasons Jack’s show ratings become limp and his appeal begins to diminish. At the same time his wife succumbs to lung cancer, never having smoked. Is Jack cursed?
He slightly recoups once he books his wife on the show as a farewell before she passes away. It proves to be a ratings bonanza, but still does not beat Carson. Once Jack’s wife is buried, he goes into a deep depression and leaves the show for awhile. When he comes back he does everything he can to boost the ratings until Jack comes up with the ultimate audience grabber.
Unfortunately, season six’s ending with that particular show never aired. And, now for the first time we get to witness why. That tape has been resurrected for our viewing along with what was going on during commercials and backstage.
On Halloween night, Jack plays host to a renowned psychic, a former famous magician (now skeptic) out to prove the paranormal is bunk, a parapsychologist, June Ross-Mitchell, and a young girl, Lily, who June cares for and insists has a demonic presence inside of her. Thus, the title of the film. Yes, Jack sees his chance to actually talk to a demon. How’s that for ratings! But, Jack’s sidekick proves to be very nervous about the whole thing. Some of the crew as well.
Strange goings on during the show and behind the stage have some wanting to abandon ship. Jack insists it’s all for show and everybody better stay in their places. Even June becomes hesitant about the idea of bringing out Lily to a live audience. Lily, on the other hand, is very excited to be part of the show. The little girl creeps out many people and at first glance she’ll give you the shivers (the way she cannot help but stare into the camera as if she going right for your soul).
The writing/directing team of C&C Cairnes knows when to have fun and when to turn the screws, mess with your mind and deliver unexpected jolts. The film is both witty and frightening, accompanied by terrific directing and a solid script. But, what really knocks it out of the ballpark is David Dastmalchian’s (The Suicide Squad (’21), The Boogey Man, Oppenheimer) brilliant portrayal of the late night host Jack Delroy.
His range of emotions going from light hearted swell guy inviting himself into your living room to a growing ego that ends up being crushed by heartbreak and low ratings is the beacon in this production. Watching him go from faithless to faithful and then to madness is one of the most classic performances since Vincent Price graced the silver screen. Dastmalchian over the years has been cast as the quirky kind of person that you intend not to want to hang around. But as Jack Gilroy, he displays a far more likable quality.
For some, Late Night with the Devil will bring to mind some of the best from the original Twilight Zone series, just more bloodier. It’s not bloody enough to get the gore hounds howling, but it does have its share of shocks. The performances are fun, some a little unnerving, and the production values mimic the late ’70s beautifully. A great way for IFC to bring in the scares for the new year.
Visit Ray’s blog at themonsterinmyhead.com
Directed by: Colin and Cameron Cairnes
Release Date: March 22, 2024
Run Time: 93 Minutes
Rated: R
Country: United States/United Arab Emirates/Australia
Distributor: IFC Films
