The critically acclaimed horror film “Late Night With The Devil” has found itself in an unexpected spotlight – its use of AI-generated imagery. While the film garnered praise for its performances and story, viewers raised concerns about the incorporation of AI art, sparking debate online.

According to the directors, Colin Cairnes and Cameron Cairnes, the controversy stemmed from a creative decision during production. The brothers aimed to capture a distinct 70s aesthetic for the film and collaborated with their graphics and production design team to achieve this vision. However, they experimented with AI technology for three specific still images. These AI-generated visuals were then edited and used as brief interstitials within the movie, such as the “We’ll be right back” messages viewers flagged.

The debate ignited on March 19th, 2024, with a scathing review on Letterboxd. The reviewer, identified as “gizmo,” expressed disapproval of the AI usage, fearing it could become normalized in entertainment. Their critique specifically mentioned the dancing skeleton graphic and “We’ll be right back” messages, arguing they detracted from the film’s overall quality. The review gained traction on social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), where users dissected the trailer, highlighting instances of the alleged AI art.

In response to the growing controversy, the Cairnes brothers released a statement through Variety. They acknowledged using AI for three still images but emphasized that these were heavily edited and integrated seamlessly. They expressed their gratitude for the talented team behind the film and their excitement for audiences to experience the movie.

check out trailer of Late Night With the Devil-

A Look at the Controversy’s Significance

The debate surrounding “Late Night With The Devil” goes beyond a single film’s production choices. It reflects a broader concern within the film industry – the potential impact of AI on creative processes, particularly for visual effects and design. Proponents of AI argue it can streamline workflows and enhance visuals. However, critics, like the reviewer “gizmo,” fear it could threaten the livelihoods of human artists and compromise artistic integrity.

The “Late Night With The Devil” controversy serves as a conversation starter. As AI technology continues to evolve, filmmakers and audiences alike will need to grapple with its role in the creative landscape. The film itself is still fresh in theaters, having been released on March 22nd, 2024. Time will tell if the debate around its use of AI art continues or fades as audiences form their own opinions.