Found footage is a subgenre many believed had exhausted its creative potential. Late Night with the Devil challenges that assumption by reframing the format within a controlled, narrative-driven environment that feels both nostalgic and genuinely disturbing.
Set during a live 1970s late-night talk show broadcast, the film unfolds as a slow descent into chaos when an occult-themed episode goes catastrophically wrong. The decision to present the story through in-studio cameras, behind-the-scenes footage, and broadcast glitches gives the film a sense of authenticity rarely achieved in the genre.
The strength of the film lies in its pacing. Rather than rushing toward horror, it allows tension to build through awkward conversations, unexplained technical issues, and subtle behavioral changes. The supernatural elements creep in gradually, making the eventual breakdown feel inevitable rather than forced.
Performances are deliberately restrained. The host, desperate to reclaim ratings dominance, becomes a tragic figure whose ambition blinds him to the danger unfolding live on air. The film critiques exploitation without moralizing, allowing the horror to speak for itself.
Late Night with the Devil stands out because it respects the intelligence of its audience. It does not rely on chaos alone, instead crafting a slow, suffocating experience that rewards patience. It is one of the strongest horror releases of 2025 and a reminder that format innovation still matters.
