Review of Devil (2010) by Kai82 — 08 Apr 2020

Basically this is an example for serious mistakes in telling a compelling story. The idea and set up have the potential to become a cult classic that people will still praise in decades. The execution of the idea is so flawed that I even question if someone had cross checked the script.

Lets start with the mistakes: First there is the title of the movie Devil. This takes away all tension and surprise. You already know too much. This could be an awesome and astonishing revelation but now it is a “Yes I know he is in there because I read the title of the movie”.

Better titles could be Elevator (of fear) or Claustrophobia. Non of these would give away a critical part of the story. Then there is the reveal with the infamous toast scene. They tell you when a bread / toast falls of and landed on the butter side then the devil is near.

This was the hilarious funny because the butter side will always have a higher chance to land on the ground. So the devil is everywhere. I am impressed how the actors could pull this of without laughing.

The final conclusion is also dividing. While I will praise it there is always the thought that it was the most boring outcome. There could be the twist that he came for Bowden not the others. Think about the potential and impact.

Also the devil is inconsequential here. On one hand he can do what he want without (Gods) interference and one the other hands he has to play by the rules. The most serious stupidity is that he left evidence and witlessnesses.

Do you know the quote “The greatest achievement of the devil is that he made the world believe he didn't exist”. He failed horrible. Think about the great diabolic performances from other actors. My last complaint is that the twist is foreseeable from miles away.

I have read Agatha Christie who perfected (also invented?) this reveal which I wont spoil (And many took her idea since then). Lets get to the good parts: Like I said the idea, set up and story is really good.

Also the acting. All actors deliver a good to excellent performance. I will praise the whole cast. Like often the weak performances are caused by the script. Overall this is could be one of the best movies in its category but fails because of some mistakes.

This makes it hard to rate. I see the 10/10 potential but it is ruined by overlooked problems. I will give 5/10 and say it is worth watching. Recommendation: Watch the movie Angel Heart from 1987 with Mickey Rourke, Lisa Bonet and Robert De Niro for comparison.