Is the Devil Really There All The Time – Well, You’re About To Find Out!
Yes. That’s right! The most awaited movie of the year is finally out on Netflix!
Since last year, I had been waiting (not patiently) for the film. I was exhilarated to see some of my favorite actors (Batman and Spiderman!) in one movie. This year when the release date was finally announced, I had booked the time and date with my friend so we could watch it together.
What’s the movie about? (no spoilers, I promise)
Director Antonio Campos brings to life characters of Donald Ray Pollock’s novel, The Devil. The story picks up post war, and explores how the lives and actions of characters then, affect the characters in the present time. It explores the evils of the world and the demons that people carry within.
“Everyone had things they didn’t want to talk about”
Narrator, Donald Ray Pollock.
The Devil All The Time, revolves around vengeance and justice. Arvin Russell takes the law into his own hands, when corruption peaks and the people around him are too unreliable. He has to fight the ‘devil(s)’, some of the residents of his town, Knockemstiff to avenge the ones he loves.
One thing the film really outlines is that, Evil is present in this world, in many forms and places but it doesn’t last long, if we don’t let it.
(google images)
Casting
By now it’s no secret that the movie has an exceptional ensemble of actors who surprise us with some outlandish performances!
Arvin Russell, the lead role is played by our very own (now not so friendly) Spiderman – Tom Holland. When he took on this character, it was a surprise to many and it’s safe to say Tom served ‘justice’ to Arvin. His anger and fear was almost palpable – so intense were the scenes that we rode his journey alongside him. I was shocked for a second during that scene with the Preacher, but then all was okay towards the end. One could really feel his pain and understand the emotion.
(source: google images)
Along with him, we get to see the upcoming Batman, Robert Pattinson as Reverend Preston Teagardin. Sebastian Stan, Bill Skarsgard, Eliza Scanlen, and the rest of the cast play significant characters.
The cast shared great chemistry. With the couples, we could feel the love between some, while the aura of hatred surrounded others. But one thing we failed to witness was any interaction between the Preacher and Sheriff (Sebastian Stan). However, their performances show their versatilities and talents as actors! Heads up! There are some tear-jerking parts too (we can thank Lenora for that)!
Why watch it?
Personally, I love the backstory and the transition of the past to the present. It was smooth and kept me hooked without a doubt. The story aptly follows the (grim) growth of certain characters and how life takes them to extreme places.
I think for me, that’s what stood out the most; the depiction of the auspicious human nature. Everyone hides skeletons in the closet (some quite literally too!). At times people behave irrationally, and it really got me thinking too, that the portrayals are nearer to reality than we think! Appearances can be deceiving – No one is really who they seem to be. I think the dialogue: “Delusions” (by the Preacher, Pattinson, during his church sermon) really fits in well. The world, especially humans are driven by delusions, hence, one should be careful!
(source: Netflix)
Why you may want to miss it?
As stated, the Devil All The Time is no stranger to violence. It includes some serious fist fights, gun violence, suicide, sexual violence and even animal cruelty. One thing is for sure: this movie isn’t for the faint-hearted!
The story drags at times, making one want to stop watching. But then, out of nowhere, the audience is served a surprise and hit with that “oh” element, keeping us wanting to watch more! (It’s the perfect balance between a “love and hate”!)
Some key points in character development were missed, which left me thinking: “What? When/how did this happen?” Some situations/events could have been explained better. Case in point, we would love to see how Tom’s character copes after the horrible incidents he goes through. Also, along that line, we see less of Sebastian’s character, making it difficult for us to understand him – a mystery unsolved as yet.
(source: instagram)
However, with 138 minutes run time, the missing parts are understandable. (personally, we would have loved it if it were a web series so it could have explored more characters and given more details)
Final words…
We were overwhelmed to see some of our favorite characters together on screen and they truly were a treat for they eyes. Pattinson’s role was just ground-breaking! (Yes he was the bad guy but his performance was phenomenal). Campos revealed that everyone else worked on their characters together, while Pattinson never really rehearsed with them but just said ‘he’s practicing’. And his Southern accent was revealed to the entire cast and crew in his first scene! And obviously – left them shocked!
The plot was something a story apart – originally different; we don’t get to see films with this standout content and theme every day.
(source: Insider)
With that being said, the film really emits that 40’s vibe, especially the setting of the church and the setting of the homes the characters live in. They really go with the cold atmosphere of the movie.
Oh and my favorite part, you ask? Well, it has got to be the end. We (and someone else) get the spark of a new beginning and hope.
Here’s what Twitter had to say
Get a little sneak peak below!
