From its eccentric trailer alone, the recent horror flick Late Night with the Devil (which just dropped on Shudder) promised to be a thematic, retro talk show-coded horror event that deserved to be witnessed — and after getting to uncover its supernatural, devilish charm firsthand, the film’s rocky adventure definitely feels like a (mostly) rewarding event for campy horror lovers.

An Immersive Nostalgic Journey

Late Night with the Devil delivers a satisfying nostalgic adventure for viewers seeking a trip down memory lane to the beloved talk show eras of the 70s. With a clear aesthetic style driving its visuals, the film creates a discernable interpretation of the dim-lit world of late-night television, complete with retro color schemes, decor, wardrobe, and overall vintage charm.

Through this attention to detail, the film captures a strong essence of an era when late-night television was thriving, with larger-than-life hosts, quirky guests, competitive ratings, and eccentric musical performances — all acting as packaging for the supernatural mayhem and horrors that are just around the corner.

In fact, there are just enough glitchy effects, broadcast issues, and timely personality traits to really help the film live up to its maximum stylistic potential.

A Compelling, Untrustworthy Character at the Forefront

At the heart of Late Night with the Devil is the noteworthy performance of its lead actor David Dastmalchian, whose portrayal of the charismatic talk show host is the most important component at play.

With a perfect blend of charm, wit, and charisma, the lead actor embodies the essence of a bygone era, bringing the character to life with a magnetic presence that steals every scene. However, as revelations are made and his persona begins to pivot while off-camera, his depiction peels back even more layers to showcase his impressive range and duality as an actor.

Sometimes you root for him, other times you can’t help but want to see him struggle in this live setting, and that’s all due to the well-rounded portrayal that Dastmalchian brings to the role.

Similarities to the VHS Horror Franchise

While Late Night with the Devil excels in many aspects, it does stumble slightly with some of its effects-heavy scenes and evident VHS movie similarities or inspirations. The film's execution of CGI and practical effects, while visually impressive and understandable due to budget constraints, can at times feel overwhelming and detract from the overall subtle charm of the story (especially when the entity changes in the final act).

Additionally, the intentional emulation of VHS aesthetics, while a nod to the era the film seeks to capture, may come across as a missed opportunity to stand on its own with well-versed horror audiences, hampering their immersion in the well-crafted premise.

These minor flaws, however, do little to diminish the film's overall appeal and entertainment value, because sometimes we just need a good, campy horror movie that doesn’t get too deep. Still, we just really wanted to see the film surpass what we’ve previously seen in this specific sub-genre, but regardless, there’s plenty to enjoy here.

Score: 6/10

In conclusion, Late Night with the Devil is a quirky romp through the retro world of late-night television, offering a satisfying nostalgic story for horror-focused audiences. While it may stumble slightly with its effects-heavy supernatural scenes and VHS tonal tendencies, these minor flaws are par for the course with a zany horror event.