The independent horror film Late Night with the Devil is proving that a creative concept is more terrifying than a massive budget. The film, which stars David Dastmalchian as the host of a late-night talk show, is presented in a found-footage style, capturing the events of a terrifying broadcast from Halloween 1977. The host, desperate to boost his ratings, invites an allegedly possessed girl onto his show, leading to a horrifying live event.
The movie has been praised for its unique approach to analog horror and for Dastmalchian’s captivating performance. After its world premiere at the South by Southwest Film Festival (SXSW) in 2023, the film received generally positive reviews and has since captivated audiences both in theaters and on streaming platforms. Its success is a testament to the power of a strong script and an innovative approach to a classic horror trope.
Filmmakers Colin and Cameron Cairnes went to great lengths to create the authentic 1970s aesthetic, drawing inspiration from Australian talk shows of the era. They made a conscious choice to use practical effects to pay homage to the horror films of that period. Lead actor David Dastmalchian has stated that the directors were heavily influenced by the works of John Carpenter and David Cronenberg, with the film’s violence specifically designed to evoke their styles. The film’s critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with horror publications like Bloody Disgusting calling it a “clever trojan horse for a surprising horror movie that goes full throttle on unhinged demonic mayhem.” The film even caught the attention of master of horror Stephen King, who reportedly called it “brilliant.”
There is no new information available about the film. The latest news remains centered on its widespread critical and fan reception, its success as an indie horror film, and its release on home media.
