The horror film, Late Night with the Devil, has audiences spooked and buzzing with its unique blend of dark humor and chilling suspense. The story centers around Jack Delroy, a struggling late-night talk show host desperate for ratings. In a last-ditch effort to boost his career, Jack throws a Halloween special featuring a seemingly ordinary guest named Lilly. However, during the live show, things take a horrifying turn as Lilly reveals a dark secret, leaving viewers questioning Jack’s past and the true cost of fame.
A Haunting Past and Desperate Measures
The film masterfully sets the scene with a convincing recreation of a Nixon-era talk show titled “Night Owls.” David Dastmalchian delivers a captivating performance as Jack Delroy, a host plagued by both personal and professional woes. We learn of Jack’s wife, Madeleine, who tragically succumbed to lung cancer despite never smoking. Desperate to boost ratings, Jack even exploited her illness by featuring her on his show. Despite his efforts, fame remains elusive, with the likes of Johnny Carson overshadowing Jack’s career.
Driven by ambition and grief, Jack delves into the darkness. The film hints at his involvement with a mysterious forest retreat, possibly a gateway to sinister forces. This desperate act may have unleashed the very evil that would plague him later.
A Pact Gone Wrong?
The turning point arrives during the Halloween episode when the seemingly innocent guest, Lilly, transforms into a demonic entity. Her chilling words and familiarity with Jack spark speculation that he may have made a pact with the devil, trading his wife’s life for the success he craved. The film cleverly merges the show’s footage with surreal scenes, blurring the lines between reality and Jack’s fracturing sanity.
A Shocking Conclusion and Lingering Questions
The climax of the film is a heart-pounding descent into madness. Jack confronts a spectral vision of his wife, Madeleine, who appears to be trapped in a state of suffering. Overcome with despair, Jack attacks the vision, but in a horrifying twist, he unwittingly stabs Lilly, not his wife. Sirens blare in the background as Jack surveys the chaotic aftermath, the weight of his choices settling upon him.
The film’s ending is deliberately ambiguous, leaving viewers to grapple with the consequences of Jack’s actions. Did he truly make a deal with the devil? Was Lilly a demonic entity all along, or was she simply possessed? The Cairnes brothers, the film’s directors, intentionally leave these questions unanswered, inviting audiences to form their own interpretations. In an interview with People magazine, they stated, “We hope the film provides enough clues that people can walk away with what they think is their own valid theory.”
Beyond the Host: Exploring Jack’s Relationships
While the film centers around Jack’s descent into darkness, it also explores his complex relationships. David Dastmalchian sheds light on the dynamic between Jack and Dr. June, a researcher specializing in the occult. Rumors swirled about a possible affair, but Dastmalchian clarifies, “There was definitely no affair when Millie was alive… After she died, Jack is unable to process the grief… He takes a meeting with Dr. June, not for any illicit reasons, but because he’s fascinated by her work and sees it as potential content for the show. A bond starts to form, which Jack wrestles with due to his guilt, but he also develops genuine feelings for her and believes in her research.”
Where to Watch Late Night with the Devil
If you’re looking for a chilling and thought-provoking horror experience, Late Night with the Devil is a must-watch. The film is currently available for streaming on Shudder and AMC+. So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare to enter the dark world of Jack Delroy and his Faustian bargain.
