There are horror films that hide in the shadows, and others that shine a blinding spotlight on society’s darkest corners. Late Night with the Devil belongs firmly to the latter. Set in 1977 during a live television broadcast of a late-night talk show, the film turns the format of entertainment itself into the stage for an unsettling descent into chaos. With its meticulous recreation of vintage television aesthetics and grainy analog textures, it immerses viewers in a world that feels both authentic and cursed.

What makes this film especially compelling is how it merges social satire with supernatural horror. The story follows host Jack Delroy, whose ambition and hunger for success push him to invite guests that bring far more than spectacle into the studio. The film cleverly critiques media sensationalism, showing how far television will go to capture audiences—even at the expense of morality.

The performance of David Dastmalchian as Delroy is central to the film’s impact. His charisma, desperation, and gradual unraveling transform the talk show format into a deeply personal nightmare. Supporting performances—particularly those playing the mediums, skeptics, and producers—enhance the tension with a mix of theatricality and dread.

Visually, the directors Cameron and Colin Cairnes display an extraordinary ability to balance campy retro design with an undercurrent of authentic menace. The use of live broadcast interruptions, commercials, and faux behind-the-scenes footage blur the line between fiction and reality, making the audience complicit in the spectacle.

At its heart, Late Night with the Devil is not only a horror story but also a reflection on the power of television as a cultural ritual—a place where the desire for fame, ratings, and collective fear collide. Its originality lies in using nostalgia not as comfort but as a weapon, forcing us to question how media manipulates both the performers and the spectators.

This film demonstrates that the most terrifying monsters don’t always come from otherworldly realms—they can emerge from our hunger for attention and our willingness to sacrifice integrity for entertainment.