Sometimes it might be enough for a movie to just want to be evil. Or at least telegraph to its audience how important such a distinction is to it. Like a Goth who thinks standing out in the rain looking morbid is an effective way to spend one's time, sometimes it is all about commitment. Even if the result just smears your make-up and, after further reflection, was kinda dumb.
But even if no one is ever truly frightened of a Damp Goth, you still stand a chance of remembering them. Such is the case with Here Comes the Devil. While not necessarily good movie, it possesses lots of promise of not being soon forgotten once watched.
Unless you turn it off. Which you’d be forgiven for.
There is lots to complain about here. It’s true that Here Comes the Devil frequently comes off as a rush job that isn't quite as ready as it should be for the Visitor it invokes in its title. While it may have done its job posturing its level of Satan cred to get his attention, it hardly ever provides any room in the framing of its camera to have him actually make a proper appearance. Images are flat and undynamic. Actors often need to find their own place inside the frame. Unless the director is expecting the Prince of Darkness to awkwardly stand against a wall between some moping char sitters, this is a film will only be Satanic in its manners. The Devil clearly deserves a better DOP than this.
But there will also end up being a lingering affect after all of this terrible looking dumbness leaves the screen. And as reserved as I am trying to be, I think this is an accomplishment. Even if the movie itself, with its violent murder and levitations and possessions and inappropriate sex, is at most an imposter for evil. Laziness by everyone involved shouldn’t be a disqualfier for delivering His Message.
Aren’t idle hands the Devil’s playthings, after all?
And whose hands could be more Idle in the case of the creators of Here Comes the Devil. Director, scriptwriter, director of photography. Let their idleness speak volumes!