Analog horror is slowly growing in popularity.
Spinning out of found footage, analog horror’s visual style reflects analog TVs and VHS to foster a cryptically nostalgic atmosphere. It’s a genre birthed from the internet, originating from YouTube videos and Creepypastas to present short stories of seemingly haunted media. While the genre has typically been found through YouTube (such as Winter of ’83, and The Backrooms), it has in recent years been making its way into feature films.
The cult hit WNUF Halloween Special and the divisive but successful Skinamarink are just a few examples of analog horror creeping its way into the mainstream. The recent release, Late Night with the Devil, directed by brothers Colin and Cameron Cairnes, is not only one of the most high profile examples of analog horror, but an excellent introduction to newcomers.
Framed as a lost tape from the 1977 talk show Night Owls with Jack Delroy, the film is a Halloween special where Jack Delroy (David Dastmelchian), anxious to boost ratings, features a seemingly real demonic possession on his show. The film lives on David Dastmelchian’s performance, as he carries the film as a charismatic and likable talk show host, and as a way in over his head celebrity trying to keep his ship afloat.
Dastmalchain sinks his teeth deep into this character, as through even the most subtle of facial expressions and rushed quiver in his voice, you can feel Dastmelchain struggle to keep his positive attitude and his show. It’s a stellar performance, one that wisps and weaves alongside the film’s tone, from fun and lively to deeply intense.
The film is one giant build, as the Cairnes Brothers perfectly capturing the vibe of a late-night talk show with its production design and natural performances. Ian Bliss as a former magician turned skeptic is particularly fun, giving a blunt, condescending performance that’s very hilarious.
The film alternates between footage of the show and behind the scenes footage that while effectively furthering the story does at times take me out of the film. Even those moments didn’t take me away from the deeply unsettling feel, with creeping scares that include blood curdling gore effects. The scares feel unnatural, otherworldly, perfectly in tone with a cursed broadcast.
Late Night with the Devil is a clever, fun, wild horror film that demonstrates how maintaining a following and create drive was always hell, even in the 70’s. Dastmelchian delivers a powerful lead performance and the Cairnes Brothers’ recreation of a late night 70’s talk show gives the film a nostalgic, throwback vibe, but with a modern creeping anxiety of desperation.
This is easily a favorite of the year so far, and while I absolutely encourage seeing this film in the theater, I’m glad it’s also streaming on Shudder. This is the perfect film to watch late at night on the couch over popcorn and drinks.
Late Night with the Devil will be released in theaters on March 22nd and on Shudder on April 19th.