In the realm of late-night television, “Late Night with the Devil” emerges as a captivating and spine-chilling tale. Set in the enigmatic era of 1977, the film transports us to a time when commercial broadcast networks vied for dominance in the cutthroat world of entertainment. At the helm of this ambitious endeavor is Jack Delroy, a talk show host who aspires to dethrone the reigning king of late night, Johnny Carson.
With six seasons under his belt, Jack’s unwavering determination to outshine his formidable rival has yet to bear fruit. However, a quarterly event presents a glimmer of hope for the aspiring host. During this pivotal occasion, ratings companies determine the airtime fees for networks, and Jack and his producer Leo devise a daring plan to elevate their ratings through a Halloween special infused with supernatural elements.
The stage is set for a night of otherworldly encounters as Jack invites a diverse group of guests to partake in his grand spectacle. Among them is Christou, a enigmatic psychic and mentalist; Carmichael, a conjurer and skeptic; Dr. June Ross-Mitchell, a renowned parapsychologist; and Lilly, the sole survivor of a satanic cult’s mass suicide. As the show progresses, the boundary between reality and the supernatural blurs, and the audience bears witness to a macabre display of unexplained phenomena. Guests succumb to unsettling and gruesome experiences, vomiting black goo and enduring the horrifying sight of worms erupting from their bodies.
The horrors that unfold on the set of “Late Night with the Devil” defy the conventions of found-footage filmmaking. While the narrative employs a blend of black-and-white and color footage to distinguish between found footage and present-day storytelling, it fails to fully immerse the audience in the found-footage format. The seamless transitions and lack of suspense or surprises detract from the intended authenticity of the found-footage genre.
Despite its shortcomings, “Late Night with the Devil” captivates with its imaginative premise and skillful recreation of the 70s television aesthetic. The film’s atmospheric lighting, authentic costumes, and period-appropriate production design transport viewers back to the golden age of television.
The performances of the cast are commendable, particularly David Dastmalchian as Jack Delroy. Dastmalchian successfully portrays Jack’s vulnerability and desperation, although his attempts at humor fall short of the mark. The supporting cast, including Josh Quong Tart as Leo, Laura Gordon as Dr. June Ross-Mitchell, and Fayssal Bazzi as Christou, deliver solid performances, contributing to the film’s overall effectiveness.
Overall, “Late Night with the Devil” presents a unique blend of horror and the supernatural, set against the backdrop of a late-night talk show in the 1970s. While it may not fully embrace the found-footage genre, its intriguing premise, practical effects, and immersive atmosphere make it an engaging and entertaining watch for fans of the horror genre.
