What’s It About
Presented in a found footage style, David Dastmalchian stars as Jack Delroy, the host of a fictional 1970s variety and late-night talk show titled Night Owls with Jack Delroy. The film purports to be derived from a rediscovered master tape of an episode from the show’s sixth season, broadcast on Halloween 1977; during this live television broadcast, havoc unfolds when Delroy interviews a parapsychologist (Laura Gordon) and the subject of her recent book, a young teenager (Ingrid Torelli) who was the sole survivor of a Satanic church’s mass suicide.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
Late Night With the Devil is a crafty thriller that cleverly highlights the mystique of the entertainment industry, built on illusions and trickery. Everything, from actors to sets, editing, and the magic of performers appearing on screens, is a charade designed to entertain. Some of the industry’s greats, like Georges Méliès, the pioneer of special effects, started as magicians, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Set in the cynical 1970s, a time of media upheaval, the film reflects on figures like Johnny Carson, who used his roots in magic to boost ratings. The protagonist, Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian), echoes Carson’s ambitions, desperately trying to elevate his talk show, “Night Owls With Jack Delroy,” to Carson’s level. Despite exploiting personal tragedy for ratings, Jack remains in Carson’s shadow. On Halloween night, Jack and his team stage a sensational show with a mystic, a parapsychologist, and a possibly possessed teenager. The chaos unfolds live, captured on found footage, revealing the thin veneer of showbiz glamour. The film’s retro charm shines through with its kitschy props and costumes, creating a sense of nostalgia. Dastmalchian’s portrayal of Jack as a man hollowed out by ambition is captivating, showing the façade of a man desperate for success. As the night unravels, the film becomes a pressure cooker of suspense, relying on its single set and goal to keep viewers engaged. Despite its simplicity, the film’s production design and costumes evoke the ’70s without tipping into parody. Late Night With the Devil is an homage to old-school horror and television, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of media. While not a profound commentary on the industry’s corruption, it serves as a reminder of the power and illusion of television, leaving audiences questioning the authenticity of what they see.
OUR RATING – AN UNNERVING 7