My quick rating - 4,3/10. "The Devil Comes at Night" is a film that attempts to blend elements of a thriller and a horror movie, but unfortunately falls short of its potential. Director Scott Leaver tells the story of a washed-up boxer (Ben) who embarks on a journey to find his inheritance, only to find himself trapped in his deceased father's farmhouse by a cannibal cult. One of the main issues with this film is its lackluster execution. While the setup is intriguing, with Ben waking up in the farmhouse after a fight, it just didn't build up suspense effectively, leaving the audience feeling detached from the protagonist's predicament. Additionally, the plot relies heavily on clichéd tropes of cult horror such as the woman also in the house to keep you guessing which side of the town she is on. The performances are a mixed bag. Ryan Allen's portrayal of the washed-up boxer is is the saving grace even though it lacks depth and emotional range needed to truly engage you. The supporting cast, particularly the members of the cannibal cult, deliver performances that range from over-the-top to outright wooden, hindering the film's ability to create a sense of genuine menace. Another notable drawback is the film's visual presentation. While horror movies often benefit from atmospheric cinematography, the lighting and camera work feel uninspired, and the overall visual design is completely trapped in the house for far too often without ever changing up the presentation of the same old place. On a positive note, the film does offer a few suspenseful and tense moments that manage to capture the viewer's attention momentarily. It did a good job of moving from one part of the fathers puzzle to the next as to what the actual people in this town were truly up to. These instances provide glimpses of the film's untapped potential, but they are unfortunately overshadowed by the overall lack of innovation and originality in the storytelling. This flick might appeal to hardcore fans of cult horror looking for a quick fix, but just fails to leave a lasting impression. For a single viewing you won't complain much but it unlikely to be anything you'll revisit.
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