Late Night with the Devil: A Chilling Descent into the Heart of Horror

As I settled in to watch Late Night with the Devil, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation. The Colin and Cameron Cairnes-directed horror film had received rave reviews at SXSW, with many praising its unique premise and standout performances. But as I delved deeper into the film, I began to notice something that left a sour taste in my mouth - the use of AI in certain scenes.

The blurred lines between reality and technology

The film tells the story of a group of friends who, after discovering a mysterious broadcast, find themselves trapped in a desperate fight for survival. As the night wears on, the lines between reality and technology begin to blur, and the group must confront the darkest corners of their own psyches. It’s a chilling premise, and one that the Cairnes brothers execute with aplomb.

But as I watched, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. It wasn’t until later, when I stumbled upon an interview with the directors, that I realized what had been bothering me - the use of AI in certain scenes. It’s a decision that, while understandable from a practical standpoint, ultimately detracts from the film’s overall impact.

David Dastmalchian shines in a standout performance

The cast, led by David Dastmalchian, delivers standout performances that elevate the film’s tense atmosphere. But even their best efforts can’t overcome the sense of unease that comes with knowing that AI was used to augment certain scenes.

“The use of AI in horror is a slippery slope. Once we start relying on technology to create scares, we risk losing the very essence of what makes horror so effective.” - Me

As I reflect on Late Night with the Devil, I’m left with more questions than answers. Is the use of AI in horror a necessary evil, or a shortcut that undermines the very fabric of the genre? As the film industry continues to evolve, it’s a question that will only become more pressing.

The poster for Late Night with the Devil, a film that will leave you sleeping with the lights on

In the end, Late Night with the Devil is a film that will leave you sleeping with the lights on. But as you lay there, trying to shake off the lingering sense of unease, remember - the real horror may not be the monsters on screen, but the technology that’s slowly creeping into every aspect of our lives.