Review of Demons (2017) by Steven F — 06 Oct 2017

Demons is a gripping and unique film that delves into the realm of well-intentioned religious fervor taken too far, inner demons that manifest themselves in horrific ways, and how these things affect the lives of a disillusioned priest and his family. Using a brilliant format of flashbacks that tantalizingly unfolds the history responsible for current supernatural happenings, Demons manages to weave enough humor and poignancy into what is otherwise a dark and psychologically deep thriller that it never loses the attention of the audience for a minute!

Billed as a horror flick, Demons delivers so much more than any slasher film as it really develops the characters and I found myself terrified - not of the "Demons" that Father Hampstead attempts to exorcise, but of those demons present to some extent in all of us - regret, disillusionment, missed potential, misplaced trust, and those demons we fight because of circumstances in our past.

Lindsay Anne Williams and Kristina Emerson deliver particularly powerful performances and it's truly refreshing to see a male screenwriter spending much time and thought on his female leads, particularly in a genre where females tend all-to-often to be helpless or simpering victims.

With a gorgeous soundtrack, remarkable cinematography particularly for an independent project, truly brilliant casting, and a surprising and thought-provoking post-script plot twist, Demons is DEFINITELY worth seeing several times, as I have found new layers of insight each time I have experienced it. Don't miss this "horror" film that is truly unique in the genre!