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Movies like The Orphanage and The Conjuring have proven that the recent past can be a frightening place. This horror film, also taking place in the 1970s, falls along the same spectrum of creepy and tacky, with a standout performance from David Dastmalchian. Known for his character roles in various films, from Dune to Suicide Squad, Dastmalchian finally gets a lead role as the fading host of a late-night variety show, Jack Delroy.
A promotional video introduces us to Delroy’s background: always played second fiddle to Johnny Carson in the ratings, a member of an Illuminati-like group, and tragically widowed when his wife, Madeleine, passes away from lung cancer. Delroy is attempting a comeback after this loss, with everything riding on his 1977 Halloween special. The show, called Late Night With the Devil, features footage from the special. His first guest, the psychic Christou (Fayssal Bazzi), gets sick and leaves after a bout of vomiting reminiscent of The Exorcist. This opens the door for Delroy’s second guest, skeptical paranormal investigator Carmichael (Ian Bliss), to stir up trouble. To salvage the show, “Mr. Midnight” is determined to impress with his third and final guest: parapsychologist June (Laura Gordon) and her teenage ward Lilly (Ingrid Torelli). Lilly, a former hostage of a cult, is believed to be possessed by a minor demon.
Writer-directors Cameron and Colin Cairnes – who sound like a light-entertainment act themselves – capably bottle the strained ersatzness of studio television and shake it up into droll fizz: “Ladies and gentlemen, please stay tuned for a live television first, as we attempt to commune with the devil. But not before a word from our sponsors.” The black and white B-roll footage between segments is where the dapper but mildly exploitative Delroy reveals his careerist colours, like a vampiric Jimmy Fallon with slip-ons and sideburns.
Although many are now aware of the disturbing actions of 70s TV personalities such as Jimmy Savile and Rolf Harris, the Cairnes brothers fail to truly delve into anything truly unsettling. Even the grand finale, which displays impressive special effects, is limited to safe and unchallenging prime time material (albeit with a gore-filled twist). However, the directors and Dastmalchian make the most of a new concept that serves as a reminder that light entertainment can lead to darker consequences.
Source: theguardian.com
