A Glimpse into the Macabre Charm of "Late Night with the Devil"

In a compelling exploration of ambition's dark side, the film “Late Night with the Devil” plunges viewers into the eerie world of a 1970s late-night talk show, where the pursuit of celebrity takes a sinister turn. This 2024 production, penned and helmed by Colin and Cameron Cairnes, has recently been rereleased on Steelbook Blu-ray, inviting audiences to revisit its unsettling premise. The movie cleverly adopts a 'found footage' style, presenting itself as a documentary uncovering the chilling events of a Halloween 1977 broadcast of 'Night Owls with Jack Delroy.' This stylistic choice immerses the viewer directly into the confines of the studio, amplifying the suspense and claustrophobia of the unfolding horror.

Central to this chilling narrative is David Dastmalchian's captivating portrayal of Jack Delroy, a character driven by a relentless desire for ratings success, even if it means venturing into the occult. Delroy’s backstory, revealed through the 'documentary's' prologue, highlights his six-year struggle to outshine legendary rivals like Johnny Carson. Following personal tragedy and a decline in viewership, Delroy gambles his career on a Halloween special featuring a psychic, a skeptic, and a supposedly possessed young girl named Lilly. The show’s rapid-fire pace, punctuated by behind-the-scenes glimpses during commercial breaks, masterfully builds tension. The reactions of the diverse cast — from Delroy’s loyal sidekick Gus to the cynical producer Leo—reveal the escalating horror and the lengths people will go for fame and attention. The film’s commitment to authentic 1977 practical effects further enhances its unsettling realism, crafting grotesque yet memorable scenes that underscore the terrifying bargain Delroy might have struck.

Ultimately, “Late Night with the Devil” serves as a chilling commentary on the allure and perils of fame, illustrating how one individual’s desperate quest for success can ensnare and impact those around them. The film evokes the bygone era when late-night hosts wielded significant influence, captivating audiences nationwide. It suggests that while the landscape of television may have evolved, the human desire for recognition, and the potential sacrifices made to achieve it, remain timeless. This movie not only delivers genuine scares but also offers a nostalgic yet disturbing look at the power once held by those who 'ruled the night,' reminding us that the quest for greatness, unchecked by morality, can lead to profoundly dark places, where the cost often far outweighs the reward.