"Late Night with the Devil" is an exceptionally well-crafted psychological thriller that grips you right from the opening scene and doesn't let go until the credits roll. Written and directed by the visionary filmmakers Cameron Cairnes and Colin Cairnes, the film delves deep into many issues, including exploring how far people will go to be on top.
A 1970s late-night show host, Jack Delroy, is at his wits end living in the shadow of late-night king Johnny Carson. After losing his wife to cancer, Jack and his show producer come up with a plan to get a ratings boost. They decide to have a special Halloween show for the start of sweeps week. The guests include a psychic, a skeptic, and an author with the subject of her book, a young girl possessed by a demon. Things get crazy when Jack decides to have the demon summoned on the show.
The film takes place in real-time on the show's set. It's an exceptionally well-crafted piece of work. David Dastmalchian plays Jack Delroy with a precision that is hard to pinpoint. As I was watching, it felt real. I forgot for a moment that I was watching a movie, and it felt like actual found footage. It does get into the occult topics that can be disconcerting. However, the film has a tone and pace that keeps you locked in until the end. Even the VFX has a certain charm that could be considered low budget, but it works for the style of the film.
Late Night With The Devil is a good watch. It is refreshing to see an original film, and this type of film leaves you with things to discuss and/or shake off. Natural performances and tension that is just under the surface but always there.Â
8.5/10 "...this type of film leaves you with things to discuss and/or shake off."