2024 has undoubtedly emerged as a banner year for horror, with a slew of terrifying and compelling movies gracing the screens. From the blood-soaked vengeance of Oddity, where a woman uses haunted items to seek revenge after her twin’s brutal murder, to the chilling occult undertones of Longlegs, which follows an FBI agent on a serial killer’s twisted trail, this year has already delivered plenty of spine-chilling content. Smile 2 continues the franchise’s deep dive into the haunting horrors surrounding global pop sensation Skye Riley, and The Substance introduces a dark take on self-improvement gone wrong, as Elisabeth Sparkle is pushed to extremes to reclaim her life.
But despite the competition, there’s a new horror movies that’s emerged as a serious contender for the best of 2024—Late Night with the Devil. Currently streaming on Lionsgate, it’s quickly gaining attention, earning near-perfect critic scores, including an impressive 97% on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of writing. What makes this indie horror so special, and why is it stealing the spotlight?
Late Night with the Devil offers a refreshing take on possession horror, blending classic tropes with a unique twist. The film follows Johnny Carson rival Jack Delroy, a late-night talk show host whose show Night Owls is struggling after the tragic death of his wife. Desperate for a ratings boost, Jack plans a Halloween special in 1977 that he hopes will turn his fortunes around—only to unknowingly unleash a terrifying evil into the living rooms of America.
Critics have praised the film’s dark, clever writing and the strong performance by lead actor David Dastmalchian, who showcases his talent in a role that truly stands out. The film masterfully blends clever storytelling with the right dose of popcorn horror, making it both entertaining and unsettling in all the right ways. If you’re a fan of films like Deadstream, The House of the Devil, and Saint Maud, this one will find its place in your horror collection.
Also, Read – 8 Movies to Watch if You Liked ‘The Substance’
What makes Late Night with the Devil particularly exciting is how it captures that feeling of discovering a hidden gem—a film that isn’t part of a larger franchise or based on a familiar formula. It’s that kind of unexpected horror experience that keeps the genre fresh, offering something original while still staying true to its roots.
So, while films like The Substance, Longlegs, and Smile 2 have already made their mark this year, Late Night with the Devil may just have the edge, claiming its spot as one of 2024’s most exciting and unpredictable horror films. If you haven’t yet, now’s the perfect time to watch and see why this indie gem is earning rave reviews.
Get ready for some late-night terror—this devil might just be the scariest thing you see this year.
