In the shadowy corridors of late-night television, where secrets fester and the supernatural lurks, Late Night with the Devil emerges, a retro horror spectacle that gleefully defies convention. Directed by Australian brothers Colin and Cameron Cairnes, this film takes us back to 1977, a time when television networks vied for supremacy during sweeps week. But this isn’t your typical late-night talk show battle; it’s a blood-soaked showdown between the reigning king, Johnny Carson, and the upstart challenger, Jack Delroy (played with eerie charisma by David Dastmalchian).
The movie kicks off with a five-minute prologue, revealing Jack’s backstory and a tantalizing biographical twist that sets the stage for the devilish drama to come. Jack’s Chicago-based show has never quite dethroned Carson, but sweeps week offers a chance to change that. His oily producer, Leo (Josh Quong Tart), concocts a plan: a supernaturally-themed Halloween broadcast featuring guests who straddle the line between the mystical and the macabre.
Enter Christou (Fayssal Bazzi), a psychic who reads minds with a suspicious flair. His act is equal parts scam and spectacle, leaving the audience both intrigued and skeptical. But the real fireworks begin when Carmichael the Conjurer (Ian Bliss), an Amazing Randi-style debunker, exposes Christou’s tricks. The tension escalates as the studio crackles with unseen forces.
The centerpiece of the evening is Dr. June Ross-Mitchell (Laura Gordon) interviewing Lilly (Ingrid Torelli), the sole survivor of a satanic cult’s mass suicide. The air grows thick with dread as Lilly recounts her harrowing ordeal. The filmmakers spare no expense on practical effects, delivering gooey horrors that will make your skin crawl.
Late Night with the Devil boldly claims to be “found footage,” but it dances to its own devilish beat. The film gleefully disregards the visual conventions of ’70s talk shows, opting for a chaotic, anything-goes style. Yet, this audacity sometimes trips over its own shoelaces, leaving viewers wondering whether they’re watching a broadcast or a fever dream.
The Cairnes brothers excel in creating surreal liminal spaces—those eerie in-between realms where reality blurs. As the studio walls seem to pulse with malevolence, Jack grapples with forces beyond his control. David Dastmalchian’s performance adds depth to the chaos, capturing the desperation of a man teetering on the edge of damnation.
Despite its gruesome moments, Late Night with the Devil possesses a strange charm. More cozy than horrifying, it could easily become an annual Halloween tradition. Picture yourself huddled under blankets, popcorn in hand, as the devil himself grins from the flickering screen.
Late Night with the Devil may stumble at times, but it leaves an indelible mark. Whether you’re a horror aficionado or a curious late-night channel surfer, tune in—if you dare. Just remember: the devil always gets the last laugh.
Watch Late Night with the Devil at Luna Palace Cinemas from April 11.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
