Through a montage and voiceover, we are transported into the world of the 1970s. It was a time of fear, mistrust, terror, and violence. And who was there to document all the chaos? Television. In 1971, a new late-night program called “Night Owls” was launched, and a famous radio announcer was hired to lead the show. The program offered a mix of music, comedy, and celebrity guests, all in the name of entertainment for America. For five nights a week, Jack (David Dastmalchian) helped the anxious nation stay at peace, and his popularity grew until 1977.
Now four seasons have passed without Jack winning a trophy, and as a result, his stardom is starting to crumble. Details about his personal life have become public, including the tragic passing of his beloved partner and rumours of his involvement in a secret all-men’s cult called “The Grove.” To make matters worse, his show’s ratings have hit an all-time low. If they continue to decline, Jack’s career will be over. Desperate for a win and willing to do anything to regain his success on national television, Jack decides to push the boundaries on Halloween night, featuring unique guests. What you are about to witness has never been done before, and viewers in their living rooms (or cinema) will see something inexplicable, disturbing, and outright horrifying.
Late Night with the Devil is a horror film directed by Cameron Cairnes and Colin Cairnes, who are known for their previous works, such as 100 Bloody Acres and Scar Campaign. As experienced horror filmmakers, Cameron and Colin have taken their craft to new heights with Late Night with the Devil. The film is a fresh and unforgettable addition to the horror genre and showcases the directors’ exceptional skills.
I have extreme amounts of praise for this film. Firstly, there was a stunning performance by actor David Dastmalchian, who plays Jack. As a host, Jack is filled with energy, loudness, and determination to deliver a successful show and the side performances are also commendable. Along with his energy, Dastmalchian shows a strong level of emotion, drama, and mystery, which is brilliant. The plot outline is brilliant. As Jack introduces a guest to take the stage, there’s no telling what will happen, and the entire film is unpredictable as it builds towards a horrifying and surprising conclusion. For those who love horror, be prepared to be shocked and impressed, and brace yourself for some gruesome body horror too. The film also demands your attention as easter egg-like hints are available during various moments, encouraging rewatches.
Night Owls, as a late-night talk show, feels real and has many aspects that remind me of shows in my lifetime, even as a child from the 80s. This includes the 4:3 aspect ratio, moments of interference/static, and impeccable sound effects or musical numbers from the live band near the stage. However, my only minor reservation about the film is its final moments/ending, which may not be what you expect or fully understand. I feel that opinions will vary among many audiences.
Overall, Late Night with the Devil is more than just a movie; it offers a unique experience for horror fans seeking a new high level of entertainment. David Dastmalchian delivers an outstanding performance once again, exuding playfulness, energy, and a dramatic dark tone as the story unfolds more and more. The plot is unpredictable, and with a live TV show concept, anything can happen, especially when unique guests are involved. While the ending may spark different viewer interpretations, the film left me highly satisfied, lost in thought, terrified, and moved.
31st March 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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