In 1977, Jack Delroy, the host of Night Owls, is struggling to match the success of his biggest rival. As Halloween falls during sweeps week, he decides to capitalize on the public’s growing interest and fear of the occult, hoping to boost his ratings. What begins as a somewhat hokey performance by a psychic medium comes to a chaotic end when Jack brings out a young girl who is supposedly possessed by a demon.
Starring David Dastmalchian, Late Night with the Devil is a bewitching pseudo-documentary that hooks you with its retro style and keeps you locked in with its gradual tension, delivering a tightly wound 90-minute show, likened to schlocky horror classics with a surrealist touch.
The narrator sets the scene, creating an atmosphere similar to a Netflix documentary that one might stumble upon while searching for an intriguing mystery. Using a found footage technique allows the film to provide exposition and backstory more organically, while also grounding itself in reality by mentioning Jack’s biggest rival is the beloved American TV host, Johnny Carson. In addition, there’s mention of “The Grove” an ominous cult for rich and powerful men, which does exist in some form.
By the end, the hyper-realism takes a more nightmarish turn as the charismatic host whose hunger for fame takes him down a spiral. And to his credit, Dastmalchian was the perfect choice to take us on this journey, as there’s something likable about his character, though his choices begin to become questionable.
The film has a distinct ’70s late-night television vibe. This may be due to the lower budget, which adds a gritty aesthetic to the movie. However, there has been some controversy surrounding the use of AI to supplement the old-school credit rolls for the fictional talk show in the film, leading to criticism for the filmmakers Cameron and Colin Cairnes. But that’s a larger conversation for another time.
In my opinion, the filmmakers have done a wonderful job in bringing their vision to life, with a story that is not only gripping but also meticulously crafted with an eye for detail. The practical effects are fantastic, evoking a sense of body horror that is sure to leave a lasting impression (one scene in particular). But also useful editing tricks that’ll have you paying close attention to the glitches in your screen for hidden pieces.
Late Night with the Devil has an alluring plot, and its throwback style makes it even more enjoyable. The movie skillfully intertwines its connection to the occult with supporting characters that add tension and doubt. Ingrid Torelli delivers a great performance as the possessed Lilly, with her sweet yet unnerving stare. Overall, this movie is unique, and it was a lot of fun to watch as everything unfolds.
Late Night with the Devil is in theaters now & will be streaming on Shudder on April 19
Jordy Reviews It 
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