As a format, I don’t feel it’s unfair to say that found footage has been done to death, revived, and then done to death again. Ever since The Blair Witch Project hit cinemas 25 years ago, the indie-filmmaker-friendly format has become oversaturated. However, occasionally, a filmmaker comes up with a fresh idea, and just like the plethora of horror icons, found footage finds a way back to life. In this case, it was two filmmakers, Cameron & Colin Cairnes, with their awe-inspiring Late Night With The Devil.
It’s a rare gem in horror, one that not only revitalises the found footage genre but also transports viewers to an era where television was king and talk show hosts ruled the night. Already a box office and critical hit upon its release, Late Night With The Devil is finally making its Home Entertainment debut on DVD, Blu-ray, and a stunning Limited Edition set.
The film, set in the 1970s, unfolds entirely during a single episode of The Jack Delroy Show, a fictional late-night broadcast hosted by the film’s central figure, Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian). What starts as a cheesy gimmick-filled Halloween special quickly devolves into an intense descent into madness, possession, and genuine horror—elements made hauntingly believable by the exceptional performance of the lead actor, whose portrayal of Delroy is both electrifying and deeply unsettling.
Delroy is an ambitious, charismatic talk show host who becomes our entry point into the film’s sinister mystery. As the events in the studio spiral out of control, Dastmalchian brings striking vulnerability and desperation to Delroy, peeling back layers of bravado to reveal a man grappling with forces beyond his understanding. The portrayal is nuanced and unflinchingly real.
From his initial swagger to the final, haunting moments, Dastmalchian infuses the character with complexity, making the terror feel deeply personal and disturbingly relatable. It’s a performance that showcases charisma and an impressive range—Delroy’s journey from confident host to frightened man is nothing short of mesmerizing.
Unlike other found footage films, Late Night With The Devil dumps the usual shaky cam and low-grade visuals for something that feels surprisingly polished yet period-authentic. The 1970s television set and production design are meticulously recreated, from the grainy film quality to the retro colour grading and campy on-air segments. It’s a refreshing take on found footage, with the single-location setting in the TV studio adding a claustrophobic, almost theatrical quality to the horror. As supernatural events intensify, viewers are left questioning what’s real and what’s part of the show—just as the terrified studio audience and TV crew would be. This disorientation is vital to the film’s impact, drawing audiences into the drama with an immersive atmosphere that feels authentic without leaning on excessive jump scares or gore.
Moreover, the film skillfully examines the power of television and media, touching on themes of exploitation and our fascination with the supernatural. Delroy’s willingness to push boundaries for ratings—no matter the consequences—feels eerily relevant, adding a layer of social commentary that enhances the horror. Late Night with the Devil doesn’t simply aim to scare; it challenges us to consider the lengths we’ll go to in the pursuit of fame, the cost of that pursuit on our loved ones, all while using the supernatural as an unforgettable backdrop.
Overall, Late Night with the Devil is a triumphant return to form for found footage horror, capturing the thrill of vintage television with an unnerving, modern edge. Anchored by a standout lead performance and masterful direction, it’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll, reminding us of the dangers lurking behind the screen—and within ourselves. This is a must-see for horror fans looking for something fresh, atmospheric, and deeply haunting.
Late Night With The Devil is out now on DVD, Blu-ray, and Limited Edition Blu-ray.
