Live television mishaps are something that we never want to happen, yet find utterly fascinating when they do. It is also a topic perfect for fictional exploration, whether that be in the form of a drama or, more commonly, through a horror lens. Films and TV shows such as Ghostwatch and Inside No. 9 have already delved into this very concept whilst doubling down on the horror elements to terrific effect. Now the newest addition to this oddly specific subgenre is Cameron and Colin Cairnes’ Late Night with the Devil.
To begin with, Late Night with the Devil takes a fairly authentic approach to its 70s talk show concept. Everything from the way it is filmed to the cheesy winks to camera feel deliberately dated and real, which sets the tone up perfectly. For a story like this to work, a certain sense of believability has to be established first and this film executes that aspect very well. It is tongue-in-cheek but convincing at the same time, giving enough backstory and setup to hook you in before everything starts to go wrong and the demonic horrors begin to unfold.
As the show starts and each of the guests are introduced one by one, you can instantly tell something is off. This is mostly helped by the film’s commitment to both its concept and 70s talk show guise. It sticks so faithfully to what it is trying to do that it continually sucks you in further and further as the film progresses. Having the whole thing look and sound like a long lost taping of an infamously disastrous episode of a 70s late-night talk show works wonders for the film’s story, but also the horror elements that get more over the top and unsettling as the film goes on.
As the film doesn’t take itself too seriously, it works hand in hand with the supernatural moments that escalate throughout its runtime. The focus on horror, though evident from the start, finds just the right moments to come to the forefront, and when it does decide to take centre stage, around the halfway point of the film, it does so with a commendable amount of intensity. This then gets gradually cranked up more and more with each scene leading to a final act that really pushes what it is capable of and is something you’re either going to be on board with or not. It may work for some, but might also lose others in the process.
With that being said, what really cements this film’s authenticity is its performances. From Ian Bliss’ incredibly condescending debunker Carmichael to Ingrid Torelli’s scene-stealing turn as possessed child Lilly. Everyone manages to bring that convincing level of realism and 70s tackiness that the film relies so heavily on. However, all of this wouldn’t work nearly as well as it does if it wasn’t for David Dastmalchian’s captivating screen presence as talk show host Jack Delroy. He carries all the charisma needed for a late-night talk show host whilst also finding the perfect level of guilt and emotion behind his eyes for some of the film’s most crucial moments. Seeing Dastmalchian take on the leading role with such confidence and conviction helps drive the film forward during any parts that would otherwise drag.
Late Night with the Devil gets a lot of things right and never outstays its welcome during its 92-minute runtime. It takes a simple idea and persistently stretches it whilst also leaving some room for where it couldn’t have gone a little further. Any time the film feels as if it could deviate or lose focus of what it is trying to be are always squandered rapidly and brought back on track in a fairly seamless manner.
Could it have been a bit scarier? Yes, it could, but its unwavering approach to a singular concept is something to be admired. From start to end, it dives headfirst into its execution, and the final result is an absolute blast to watch unfold before your eyes. It is a film that plays with your expectations and unnerves in the most entertaining way possible. This is one of those films that works brilliantly with the right crowd but is equally as enjoyable streamed at home during the Halloween season by yourself. Either way, you are in for a treat with this film, and it has a lot of potential in terms of rewatch value.
