The Ending of Late Night With the Devil Flubs the Punch Line

As a seasoned cinephile with over three decades of binge-watching horror movies under my belt, I must say that Late Night With the Devil is a tantalizing treat for those who crave a blend of retro TV aesthetics and modern chills. The Cairnes brothers have truly outdone themselves in crafting an authentic 70s talk show environment, complete with the cheesy charm that only old-school TV can offer.

This piece was initially released on April 18, 2024. We’re sharing it again because as of now, “Late Night With the Devil” is available for streaming on Hulu.

What do horror films and late-night talk shows have in common? They both have moments where someone is put down, either physically or verbally. However, let me be more serious. Both forms of entertainment require good setup and payoff for maximum effect, whether it’s making you laugh or giving you a scare. Unfortunately, the final punchline in the indie horror film Late Night With the Devil, despite its inventiveness, doesn’t quite deliver as expected.

The outcome might not seem quite so underwhelming if not for how well the foundation was laid. Filmmakers Cameron and Colin Cairnes from Australia collaborate with spirits of TV Land, constructing a Nixon-era talk show authentically (and unfortunately, AI assistance) only to let loose demonic chaos upon its host, team, and visitors. The enjoyment of the film is derived from its abandoned-broadcast trick – how the brothers depict their showbiz horror tale as the unedited final episode of this fictitious program, incorporating a tacky opening monologue, banter with the band leader, and transitions to commercials.

From the mockumentary structure, it’s clear that this episode of Night Owls won’t be your typical one. Starring David Dastmalchian as Jack Delroy, a fictional Carson competitor struggling with ratings, the film explores the tantalizing possibility of live TV: the chance that what’s being recorded might capture something truly shocking and extraordinary, transmitting terror into homes nationwide. Just like viewers at home, we can’t look away as the tension builds, eagerly anticipating the heated argument – a Halloween night debate between a fake psychic, an ex-hypnotist from Vegas, a parapsychologist, and his supposedly possessed teenage patient – to escalate into authentic supernatural chaos. Those who have gripped their seats during the disturbing scenes of Jordan Peele’s Nope will understand the chilling effect of innocuous retro-TV memorabilia turning sinister due to violence.

Following a vigorous discussion and interactive audience participation that resembled a live stage performance, Late Night With the Devil culminated with its climax. As tension built up, chaos ensued. It was revealed that the teenage girl truly was possessed, and the malevolence she carried was acting on the deal Jack had struck with dark forces – a deal that promised him fame in exchange for sacrificing his wife to cancer. In a twist reminiscent of the monkey’s paw legend, this fame manifested as a gory television spectacle, an infamous live broadcast that would forever be etched in history.

In essence, the climax appears impressive on a superficial level, but it fails to live up to the tension that had been carefully built up before. The visual effects have a quaint, low-fi appeal reminiscent of old Hollywood horror films and vintage TV sets. When Ingrid Torelli’s character transforms into a vessel for malevolent energy, complete with electric pulses, it brings to mind the classic film “Poltergeist.” However, the nostalgic, fun-house quality of the violence almost makes it seem comical rather than scary. It’s an enjoyable sequence, but not genuinely terrifying or convincing. The irony lies in the fact that when the danger becomes real for Jack, his casual dabbling with darkness transitions from a mere performance to the most unrealistic moment in the film—a simple trick itself.

However, it’s the events that follow that shatter the illusion. Once the demon swiftly eliminates the side characters, Jack navigates a bizarre, illogical world reminiscent of Night Owls, abruptly transitioning from comedic skits to trivial pet tricks. All of a sudden, Jack’s predictable late-night segments take on a darker hue. This final segment serves dual purposes: it reveals hidden aspects – such as the demonic woodland ceremony where Jack strikes a deal with the devil and his final moments with his wife – that wouldn’t be shown on TV, while also subjecting the host to a torment worse than death, a psychodrama forcing him to face his misdeeds.

To delve into Jack’s mind, the filmmakers are forced to deviate from the standard format. Gone is the strict presentation of events through a 70’s TV show-like shooting style. Instead, the camera adopts a more personal perspective, moving into dramatic close-ups and offering a subjective viewpoint. Quick cuts disrupt the flow of time and space, creating an unsettling effect that challenges the sense of real-time viewing. Some might see this as the antagonist corrupting the very language of the show, taking control of its style. However, it appears more like a lack of creativity on the part of the filmmakers, suggesting they struggled to conclude their movie without resorting to manipulating the live-TV aspect.

In terms of found-footage horror movies, only a few can be mistaken for reality. Among these, “The Blair Witch Project” stands out as an authentic home video from the depths of hell, appearing so genuine in its rough flow and deliberate amateurism. Everything else follows suit. However, being deceived by the mock-documentary style isn’t essential to feel scared by the film’s trickery. For the most part, “Late Night With the Devil” maintains the illusion effectively, enabling us to forget it’s not real and immerse ourselves in its imitation of old television, a haunted broadcast from yesterday’s network airwaves. But when they abandon that format towards the end, the filmmakers essentially switch channels. And it’s the viewers who find themselves searching for something better to watch.

2024-10-25 23:54

The Ending of Late Night With the Devil Flubs the Punch Line

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