‘Diabolically chilling’ horror movie ‘is perfect in every way’ on Film 4 tonight | Films | Entertainment

A horror film branded by viewers as ‘diabolically chilling’ and rivalling The Blair Witch Project for ingenuity is screening on Film 4 this evening.

Late Night with the Devil arrived in cinemas in 2023, featuring David Dastmalchian as Jack Delroy, an American late-night talk show presenter competing with Johnny Carson. His programme, Night Owls, has become essential viewing for insomniacs nationwide.

However, Jack’s viewing figures have plummeted following the cancer death of his beloved wife, Madeleine, prompting the presenter to devise a bold strategy to revitalise the programme.

For Halloween 1977, he orchestrates an unprecedented special episode, preparing to unleash malevolent forces into American living rooms. Filmed in documentary style about chat shows, the production disturbs audiences from the opening moments.

The film garnered critical acclaim, with reviewers describing it as “deliciously dark” and “devillishly funny”, whilst achieving an impressive 97 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film review aggregator website.

One reviewer said: “[Late Night with the Devil] evolves the legacy of the horror classics before it, pushing the genre to exciting new heights–as well as elevating David Dastmalchian to the leading man status he more than deserves.”, reports the Mirror.

Another wrote: “It’s sharp little horror film, and if I look askance at all the ‘best horror movie of 2024’ talk, it’s only because the year isn’t even half over. … [A] spot-on recreation of both the look and the gonzo attitude of the 1970s…[i]t’s clever and it’s fun.”

Dastmalchian’s unsettling portrayal of tormented chat show presenter Jack garnered particular acclaim, with one reviewer noting: “A creepy (and gorgeous) film packed with amazing performances led by David Dastmalchian. It gets under the skin as it sprints towards its mind-bending conclusion.”

Another said: “Late Night with the Devil is the cleverest found footage film since The Blair Witch Project.”

Audiences were equally enthusiastic, applauding its distinctive format and documentary aesthetic. One viewer said: “I wish there were more movies like this .. it was so unique and chilling and digs into the occult in Hollywood .. really well done.”

Another added: “Perfection in every way.” Whilst a third said: “This film surpassed the expectations of a low-budget indie film made for streaming. The attention to detail, down to the way the film sounded and looked, replicated the time period. David Dastmalchian delivered a compelling yet disturbing performance that no one was prepared for.”

Late Night With The Devil is airing on Film 4 at 11.10pm on December 27.

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