Late Night with the Devil: sinister slice of supernatural TV (movie: trailer).
Roll up, roll up, for a glimpse into the eerie and enthralling world of Late Night with the Devil, a found footage horror gem that has been sending shivers down the spines of audiences worldwide. Hailing from the land down under and the dunes of the United Arab Emirates, this film is a co-production venture that’s been dazzling critics and fans alike, especially after its standout premiere at the South by Southwest Film Festival.
Imagine turning back the clock to the 1970s, an era when late-night telly was a bit risqué, a tad mysterious, and always unpredictable. The film takes us into this nostalgic yet nightmarish setting through Night Owls with Jack Delroy, a variety show that becomes the epicentre of supernatural chaos during a live Halloween broadcast in 1977. With David Dastmalchian portraying the suave yet soon-to-be-spooked host Jack Delroy, the stage is set for an unforgettable night of television history — or rather, the kind you wish was just make-believe.
The plot thickens as Delroy, amid the vintage glitz and glamour, interviews a parapsychologist and a young girl with a dark, demonic past — cue the inexplicable events and eerie happenings that could only stem from a Satanic church’s lingering curse. The film doesn’t just play with the concept of live TV’s unpredictability; it merges it with a tangible sense of dread and foreboding, making viewers question what’s real, what’s staged, and what lurks in the shadows of our own reality.
Behind the camera, the Cairnes brothers have channelled their fascination with the enigmatic allure of vintage television, transforming it into a cinematic experience that feels both fresh and frighteningly familiar. The decision to cast Dastmalchian, inspired by his affectionate nod to regional TV horror hosts in Fangoria, was a stroke of genius. His portrayal of Delroy strikes the perfect balance between charismatic and creepy, anchoring the film’s descent into supernatural mayhem.
Filmed in Melbourne with a dedication to practical effects that hark back to a bygone era of filmmaking, Late Night with the Devil is a testament to the power of creativity and nostalgia in horror cinema. It challenges viewers to reconsider their nightly TV habits, asking, “What if your favourite late-night show hosted something truly unspeakable?”
With accolades pouring in and Stephen King himself tipping his hat, it’s clear this film isn’t just a throwback horror flick; it’s a full-blown cultural phenomenon. Whether you’re a fan of the genre, a devotee of 70s nostalgia, or simply in for a good scare, mark your calendars for its theatrical and Shudder releases. Just remember, when you tune in to watch Late Night with the Devil, you might just find the devil watching right back.
