Retro Horror and Dark Humor Blend

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MOVIE REVIEW
Late Night with the Devil Limited Edition 4K UHD & Blu-ray
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2023, 2024 Second Sight 4K
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director(s): Cameron Cairnes, Colin Cairnes
Writer(s): Colin Cairnes, Cameron Cairnes
Cast: David Dastmalchian, Laura Gordon, Ian Bliss, Fayssal Bazzi, Ingrid Torelli, Rhys Auteri, Georgina Haig, Josh Quong Tart
Where To Watch: available October 28, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.secondsightfilms.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: I need to talk about the elephant in the room first. One of the biggest stories in this film was its use of generative AI for a few title cards used as transitions in the movie. I am, without question, opposed to using AI in creative matters such as this. However, the film deserves a pass as these were created in the infancy of AI and before people learned as much as we know about it. LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL is a horror film that cleverly meshes dark comedy with a 1970s late-night talk show design, delivering a refreshing twist on the mockumentary genre. As the story develops, viewers are treated to a chaotic Halloween night orchestrated by Jack Delroy, the beleaguered host, played with a blend of desperation and sleazy charm by David Dastmalchian. Delroy’s aim to salvage his waning career spirals into unexpected terror, providing a thrilling ride for the audience.

The film effectively captures the essence of the 70s television scene, utilizing grainy visuals and meticulously designed sets and costumes to create a believable yet eerie atmosphere. Dastmalchian's performance as Delroy is a high point of the film, showcasing a complex character arc filled with obscurity and a slow descent into madness. However, his ability to embody the charismatic showman needed to lead a national talk show might only resonate with some viewers, occasionally affecting the film's believability.

As LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL delves into the societal and cultural obsessions of the 1970s, such as the Satanic Panic, it enriches its storyline with a well-contextualized backdrop that heightens the horror elements. Supporting roles, notably Ingrid Torelli as a troubled teenager Lilly and Laura Gordon as a parapsychologist June Ross-Mitchell, add to the film’s tension and unpredictability, enhancing the overall atmosphere.

The blend of horror and humor is managed uniquely, offering a satirical look at the media landscape of the era while engaging viewers with genuinely suspenseful and eerie moments. The build-up to the climax is carefully paced, blending subtle dread with overt scares, culminating in a divisive yet impactful finale. While some viewers appreciate the intense conclusion and its thematic resonance, others may find it veers too closely to conventional horror tropes, detracting from the film's earlier nuanced buildup.

LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL stands out for its innovative take on the mockumentary style and its intelligent commentary on the allure and perils of television fame in the 70s. While it navigates some traditional genre pitfalls, the film is distinguished by solid performances and thoughtful integration of historical and cultural dynamics, making it a notable entry into the horror genre. It serves as entertainment and a reflective critique of a bygone era, appealing to a broad audience with its clever blend of historical insights, horror, and satire.

Special Features
Dual format edition including both UHD and Blu-ray with main feature and bonus features on both discs
UHD presented in HDR with Dolby Vision
New audio commentary by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson
Bringing Their 'A' Game: An Interview with Directors Colin Cairnes and Cameron Cairnes
Mind if I Smoke?: An Interview with Actor Ian Bliss
We're Gonna Make a Horror Movie: An Interview with Actor Ingrid Torelli
Extremely Lucky: An Interview with Actor Rhys Auteri
Cult Hits: Zoë Rose Smith on Late Night with the Devil
Behind the Scenes with the Devil
The Making of the Night Owls Music
South by Southwest 2023 Q&A with David Dastmalchian, Colin Cairnes, and Cameron Cairnes

Limited Edition Contents
Rigid slipcase with new artwork by Haley Turnbull
120-page book with behind-the-scenes images, storyboards, and new essays by Kat Hughes, James Rose, Rebecca Sayce, Graham Skipper, Julieann Stipidis, and Emma Westwood
Six collectors' art cards

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[photo courtesy of SECOND SIGHT FILMS]

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