The Devil All the Time

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Netflix has been able to deliver films with all-star casts pretty regularly. Whether people like the movie or not, that’s a whole other subject, but as a convincing argument to make people want to watch a film, this type of casting is perfect. Almost every actor in The Devil All The Time is a fan-favorite due to their presence in cinematic universes, iconic sagas, or Oscar-winning flicks, so it’s no surprise if this aspect alone gets audiences to sit in their couches for a movie with an almost two-hour-and-a-half runtime. This is my first time watching an Antonio Campos’ film, and my expectations were moderately high, having in mind the synopsis and the genre itself.

I didn’t know what the movie was really about since the synopsis doesn’t really shine a light on what the main narrative truly addresses. I only watch the first official trailer after I watch the film (so I know what I can write in my reviews), and to be honest, it’s a bit misleading when it comes to the time certain actors are actually on-screen (Holland only shows up after forty-five minutes, for example). So, for the first hour-and-a-half, I found myself struggling to understand where the story was going. There are more than a handful of relevant characters and storylines, being this my main issue with the flick, but I’ll get there.

I’ll start with the cast and their characters. The former group is impeccable, as expected. Tom Holland is undoubtedly the biggest surprise by delivering a part of him that no one had seen so far. Arvin’s personality is shaped based on his traumatic, tragic, violent childhood. Transitioning from the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man to such a haunted character is not an easy task, but Holland finds a way of dealing with the emotionally overwhelming, dark path that Arvin walks. However, this is a long movie where every character has an important role to play, even t...

Drearily fighting… the devil all the time

In backwood towns of West Virginia and southern Ohio during the mid-60s several characters converge around a disillusioned orphan (Tom Holland) devoted to protecting those he loves.

“The Devil All the Time” (2020) is a slow-burn Southern Gothic psychological drama with crime thrills in the mold of "Undertow" (2004) mixed with the dismal rural tone of, say, “Winter’s Bone” (2010), “Mud” (2012), “Joe” (2013) and “1922” (2017).

The bleak story emphasizes the deep mysteries of life, like man’s brutality to fellow man, premature death, unanswered prayer, religious misbelief/error, justification of sin, corrupt authority figures, the downward spiral of a criminal lifestyle, divine justice (whether you perceive it or not), hope and, maybe, redemption.

Some complain that it’s ultimately pointless, but it’s not. It may be meandering and ambiguous, but it’s not pointless. You just have to be braced for a slow drama, degenerate characters, lots o’ narration (by the author of the book), time jumps, convoluted storytelling and a muted emotional payoff. Another thing to consider is that the story doesn’t become compelling until the last 50-55 minutes.

The movie doesn’t ridicule people who believe in Christianity, as some have criticized, but rather realistically shows how certain individuals with mental issues can misinterpret the Scriptures or the Spirit’s leading, as well as use their position to serve their carnal interests rather than serve people.

There are weird and disturbing aspects that are gut-wrenching or disgusting, but the author based these things on real-life cases.

It’s a quality production with convincing acting/costuming/sets/locations, but the snaky downbeat story isn’t for everyone.

The film runs 2 hours, 16 minutes and was shot in Alabama (Anniston, Montevallo, Birmingham, Oak Mountain State Park and several other points in the area).

GRADE: B-

It's a prayer log...but it don't work too good.</I>

Pairing this with soul wrecking tough watches like <I>The Nightingale (2018) or GWEN (2018) comes to mind.