Late Night with the Devil stands out as a unique and underrated gem in the horror genre. Unlike typical horror films that rely heavily on jump scares, this movie uses subtle tension and eerie imagery to build its atmosphere, with a climax that provides a powerful payoff.
Set against the backdrop of Halloween night in the 1970s, the film unfolds through the lens of a talk show format, with host Jack Delroy at its center. As the film progresses, it weaves a complex narrative filled with ominous undertones, supernatural elements, and gradual, unsettling horror.
The story revolves around Jack Delroy, a late-night talk show host trying to revive his show’s failing ratings after the death of his wife, Madeleine. Delroy’s hiatus from the limelight was triggered by his wife’s battle with lung cancer, and upon returning to television, he decided to take a controversial step.
Jack invites guests with connections to the supernatural for a Halloween special, hoping to boost his show’s appeal. The film also hints at Jack’s involvement in occult rituals through an exclusive club called “The Grove,” suggesting he may have made a dark pact for success.
Late Night with the Devil (Photo: Umbrella Entertainment)The Introduction of Abraxas and Madeleine’s Ghost Signals the Start of Jack’s Descent
As the show progresses, an ominous presence becomes apparent. The demon, Abraxas, is subtly introduced, but Madeleine’s ghost is also seen lurking in the background. This spectral presence is not only visible at various moments in the studio but also tries to warn Jack through a medium named Christou.
However, Madeleine’s attempt to communicate with Jack is violently interrupted when the demon expels her from the medium’s body, reinforcing the sinister forces at play. This marks the beginning of a deeper descent into horror for Jack and his guests.
The key turning point in the film comes with the introduction of Lilly D’Abo, a young girl claiming to be possessed by a demon named Mr. Wriggles, later revealed to be Abraxas. Lilly’s backstory involves surviving a mass ritual suicide as a child, and it becomes clear that the demon’s influence over her goes far beyond mere possession.
The film hints that Lilly may have been possessed from the start, with her knowledge of the studio staff and the ability to see through hypnotism. This revelation sets the stage for the demon to reveal itself in full force.
Late Night with the Devil (Photo: Umbrella Entertainment)Jack’s Dark Pact Unleashes Chaos, Leading to His Tragic and Nightmarish Downfall
As Jack pressures the medium to summon the demon, Abraxas confirms Jack’s involvement in a pact made at The Grove. After the demon’s temporary departure, the tension builds, culminating in a horrific scene where Lilly’s head splits open, unleashing chaos. The audience and staff are terrorized as the demon manifests fully, killing the guests on stage. Jack is then thrust into a nightmarish descent, symbolizing the consequences of his dark past. The horror of the situation escalates as Jack faces the repercussions of his actions.
The final act of Late Night with the Devil delves into Jack’s past decisions and the cost of his pact. As the show devolves into madness, the film transitions from its ’70s aesthetic to a more modern cinematic style, signaling Jack’s unraveling. The ghost of Madeleine confronts Jack, revealing that her death was the price he paid for his fame.
Jack’s ultimate mistake becomes clear when he mistakenly stabs Lilly instead of his wife, leading to a grim and ambiguous conclusion. The film ends with Jack surrounded by the corpses of his guests, trapped in a nightmarish reality. Despite his desperation to escape, the camera cuts to black, leaving Jack’s tragic fate sealed, with the demon fulfilling his part of the deal, but in a twisted, horrifying way.
