There’s no denying my deep love for the horror genre. From the obscure to its mainstream counterpart, I’ve explored every nook and cranny. Yet, amidst this exploration akin to Dr. Indiana Jones, there are certain discoveries that have left me with a sour taste in my mouth. None more so than the found footage sub-genre, which has dominated horror since the release of 1999’s Blair Witch Project—a film I’ve unapologetically loathed since my first viewing years ago.
However, in life and in film, even a broken clock is right twice a day. That moment has arrived in the form of Colin and Cameron Cairnes’ found footage gem, Late Night with the Devil. I’ve been eagerly anticipating this film since I first heard about it on Marc Bernardin’s podcast, Fatman Beyond. His praise for the film and its marketing had me hooked, ensuring I wouldn’t miss it.
My anticipation was rewarded in devilishly horrific fashion as Late Night with the Devil offers a fresh take on the found footage genre, brimming with gnarly gore and dark humor. Colin and Cameron Cairnes have crafted an exhilarating exercise in suspense and dread that’s nothing short of a chef’s kiss of horror delight.
The film follows the harrowing events of Halloween night, 1977, as Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian), rival to Johnny Carson, hosts his dwindling syndicated talk show, Night Owl. Once a beloved ratings magnet, the show has become a sinking ship since Delroy’s wife passed away. With Halloween looming, Delroy plans an evening of evil that shocks and awes viewers across the country.
Cameron and Colin Cairnes’ screenplay and direction are both confident and authentic. They never run out of steam, sprinkling breadcrumbs throughout that pay off in satisfyingly haunting fashion. The duo’s use of black and white for “backstage” moments and color for the real-time airing of Night Owl adds to the film’s eerie atmosphere, making viewers feel like they’re witnessing an event they shouldn’t be privy to.
As a long-standing fan of David Dastmalchian’s work, it’s fantastic to see him in a leading role where he can truly showcase his talents as one of the industry’s best character actors. Dastmalchian delivers a riveting and tragic portrayal that perfectly fits the film’s overarching themes of loss and moving forward.
Dastmalchian is supported by strong performances from Ian Bliss, Laura Gordon, and Ingrid Torelli. Bliss plays the slimy skeptic who casts doubt on the ongoing events, while Gordon and Torelli deliver some of Late Night with the Devil‘s most chilling moments.
Late Night with the Devil is one of the most impressive feats of 2024 so far. It’s a horror gem that revitalizes a tired old trope with layered originality, making it one of my favorite entries in the found footage genre. With the Cairnes Brothers’ effective direction and David Dastmalchian’s committed performance, Late Night with the Devil is a film worth staying up late for.
